A major digital upgrade at Armidale, Boggabilla, Inverell, and Moree TAFE NSW campuses will increase access to courses, with Northern Tablelands MP Adam Marshall, left, and Team Leader Tourism and Experiences Services Matthew McAllister discussing the move to establish high-tech, modern learning spaces.
Wednesday, 21 July 2021
A MAJOR digital upgrade of TAFE NSW campuses across the Northern Tablelands will expand access to training opportunities for local students, with local State MP Adam Marshall today announcing the installation of contemporary digitally enabled virtual teaching and learning spaces at Armidale, Boggabilla, Inverell, and Moree.
Mr Marshall said TAFE NSW was increasing its capabilities to deliver courses to rural and regional communities.
“This investment forms part of a $20 million initiative to build 200 high-tech, modern learning spaces to support virtual learning across TAFE NSW campuses by May next year,” Mr Marshall said.
“The four local campuses will be fitted with state-of-the art digitally enabled learning spaces, designed to link local students with a state-wide network of industry qualified TAFE teachers.
“The upgrade will enable students to participate in a variety of classes, no matter where their teacher is located.
“Armidale will also see the installation of a virtual delivery space, designed to enable teachers and industry experts to train students located around the state via a virtual classroom.
“This will enable Armidale-based teachers to share their highly sought-after industry experience with students across the region.
“This initiative will expand and enhance access to training, allowing more students to live and learn in their own communities, while gaining access to the skills they need to be work ready.”
As part of the investment, a number of specialist facilities across NSW will be upgraded, including workshops, kitchens, and laboratories which will be fitted with technology and equipment to support practical demonstrations.
This will enable students living in regional and remote communities to observe live practical demonstrations conducted in industry-standard and fully equipped teaching facilities.
Mr Marshall said TAFE was evolving to meet the changing learning needs of student and local communities.
“TAFE NSW recognises each student learns differently. This investment will increase access to flexible and engaging study options for students, no matter where they live,” he said.
“This investment ensures people living in regional communities have access to a greater range of teacher-led, digitally enabled courses and allows them to build skills highly valued by employers, such as digital literacy, remote working, problem-solving, and resilience.”
Construction of 200 connected facilities will commence across NSW in coming months.