Social Computing: Reducing Isolation In Remote Australian School

Abstract

With the increasing expectation that schools will make more use of ICT to support learning, more professional development opportunities need to be provided to assist teachers to realise the potential of ICT. Social computing provides a solution to the dilemma of connecting remote schooling communities for both teacher professional learning and student learning. A national project, involving teachers at remote schools in five Australian states, is described. The benefits and challenges of using social computing to enhance learning for both teachers and students are shared. Key project achievements are identified from management, teacher and student perspectives. The way forward is mapped for this project, and for other projects attempting to achieve similar goals, in reducing isolation in remote Australian schools by utilizing social computing.