Digital upgrade connects regional students

The Regional Access Gap (RAG) program is giving schools across NSW a technology and education boost.

More than 220,000 students in regional and remote areas across the state are benefiting from the NSW Government’s $365.8 million RAG program, supplying digital devices to break down digital barriers and lead a tech revolution.

Minister for Education and Early Learning Sarah Mitchell and Minister for Customer Service and Digital Government Victor Dominello met with students and teachers at Leeton Public School, one of more than 1000 regional schools benefiting from this digital upgrade.

Mitchell said the RAG is providing students with digital tools they haven’t had access to before.

“So far we have invested more than $100 million in delivering 20,000 devices for students, 13,000 for teachers and more than 6000 smartboards across regional and remote areas of NSW,” she said.

“I have seen firsthand here at Leeton Public School and across regional NSW how this program is improving educational outcomes for regional students.”

Dominello said working with schools to understand their needs and priorities, and to develop a plan for reaching their digital goals, is crucial to closing the digital divide.

“This investment from the Digital Restart Fund ensures today’s students, no matter where they live, have the best access to tomorrow’s opportunities,” he said.

“The RAG program is delivering internet enhancements, learning space and platform upgrades, more external and onsite tech support, simplified admin processes, targeted training, and giving teachers more time to focus on students.

“This is benefiting regional communities — in the Murray electorate alone, 59 schools have already received over 1500 devices to support their students and teachers.”

Image credit: ©stock.adobe.com/au/Master Video