Member for Northern Tablelands and Minister responsible for TAFE Adam Marshall ‘cuts the ribbon’ of the new TAFE NSW Digital Learning Lab via a virtual reality headset.
Friday, 8 December 2017
HIGH-TECH robots, virtual reality and supercomputers greeted teachers and the community today, as Member for Northern Tablelands Adam Marshall opened up the new TAFE NSW Digital Learning Lab.
The Armidale facility is the centrepiece of the NSW Government’s plan to revolutionise TAFE NSW – and brings substantial job creation to boost the local economy.
“After more than a year of discussions and planning, it’s incredible to be able to walk through the lab and try out developments in new learning technology,” Mr Marshall said.
“The Digital Lab will play a critical role in the $3.6 million Digital Headquarters, which will formally open early next year.”
Mr Marshall, who is also the Minister responsible for TAFE, said that the Digital Lab cemented Armidale as the forerunner in innovative education.
“As our industries and jobs change, so must the teaching methods used to skill up our next generation of students,” Mr Marshall said.
“TAFE NSW is making use of emerging technologies to ensure that rural and regional students can access a wider variety of courses locally.
“Armidale’s Digital Learning Lab will help TAFE develop these revolutionary teaching methods that will train our next generation in emerging fields,” Mr Marshall said. “Whether you’re learning to class wool or defend Australia from international cyber threats, the high-tech learning materials will be created right here in Armidale.”
The opening of the TAFE NSW Digital Learning Lab is a major milestone towards establishing the educator’s new digital curriculum, centred at the EduTech hub in Armidale.
“This Digital Hub brings over 40 jobs to Armidale, ranging from course designers to senior management and marketing experts,” Mr Marshall said.
“Each new employee will be working with digitally enabled colleagues across NSW, with realtime collaboration possible thanks to Armidale’s FTTP NBN service.
“Improved connectivity offers many unique opportunities and advantages with employment, education and business development – and Armidale is well positioned to make the most of this newfound flexibility.
“The majority of successful applicants will be moving from major centres, and will make the region their new home over the coming months.
“These highly skilled positions will not only supplement the region’s workforce and economy, but also benefit the learning experience of TAFE NSW’s 100,000 online students statewide.”
TAFE Digital is now accepting expressions of interest from students across the country to enrol in its exciting range of online courses at www.tafensw.edu.au/digital
About TAFE Digital
• TAFE Digital is a key part of the NSW Government’s modernisation of TAFE NSW. It will expand the organisation’s presence across the State as well as bringing more jobs to rural and regional NSW.
• Skills Minister John Barilaro announced Armidale as the location for the new HQ in November 2016, following a competitive bid process, which included Wagga Wagga, Bathurst, Coffs Harbour and Tamworth.
• TAFE Digital will introduce the latest digital course content, innovative teaching approaches and reality simulation technology to recreate real-life working environments to enhance the learning experience at Australia’s largest education and training provider.
• Importantly, TAFE Digital will reduce the current duplication of effort in course development and online learning throughout the State.
• TAFE Digital is working closely with Armidale Regional Council and Evocities to promote Armidale as an EduTech hub and place to relocate.