Distance education keeping pace with 21st century needs

As the first in Queensland, Charters Towers School of Distance Education has lived through rapid changes in technology.

When the school first opened in 1987 students communicated with teachers via radio. With the internet, teachers can now create a classroom experience where students can read what teachers put up on the board and break out into group work with fellow students.

School principal, John Clark, identifies that the tech skills students learn are critical. To build these skills, and to ensure they are recognised in the workforce, all year 10 students at Charters Towers School of Distance Education need to complete a Certificate I in Information, Digital Media and Technology.

This qualification gives students a variety of digital skills including data analysis, critical thinking and experience using a variety of different devices. This is a great example of how education facilities can provide their students with the critical soft and hard skills they will need to thrive in the future workforce.

We want to find out more about different communities are doing to help their kids build these skills. If you know of a similar initiative in your area, we want to know about it. Email us at [email protected] or leave a comment below.

Want to find out more about how Charters Towers is positioned for the Future of Work? Check out the Charters Towers case study here.