Executive director to be part of government's expert advisory group on digital education

Executive director of schools, Greg Whitby, has been asked to be part of the Australian Government's new expert advisory group on digital education.

Greg will be part of a new advisory group of leading education and IT experts has been established to provide the Australian Government with advice on the next steps towards transforming teaching and learning through technology.

Announced today at the 2011 Australasian Association of Distance Education Schools National Conference in Hobart, Minister for School Education, Peter Garrett, said the Digital Education Advisory Group will be a valuable source of advice on the latest ICT developments and their use in the schoolroom.

The advisory group will be chaired by Vice-Chancellor for Teaching, Learning and Equity at the University of Technology Sydney, Professor Shirley Alexander.

'I am pleased that Professor Alexander has agreed to take on this key advisory role, with
a particular focus on how best to support the new Australian Curriculum online,' said Mr Garrett. 'The other members of the group are education and industry experts with strong records in the innovative, world-class use of ICT in education and I am looking forward to the first meeting next month.'

'The Gillard government's record investment in school education has a strong focus on using the latest technology to make sure that all students, no matter where they live, get the best education possible,' he said.

Greg Whitby said he was looking forward to the his new role. 

'The world is rapidly changing particularly in relation to technology creating opportunities for learning and teaching previously thought impossible,' said Greg. 'We need to make sure we put good tools into the hands of good teachers in order to provide relevant and engaging learning for their students and to equip students with the critical skills they need to live and work in today's world.'

'I am honoured to be asked to be a part of the Australian Government's advisory group and I am looking forward to help shape the direction for schools across Australia,' he said.

The Digital Education Advisory Group includes:

• Chair: Professor Shirley Alexander, Deputy Vice-Chancellor, University of Technology Sydney;
• Mr David Barnett, Chief Executive Officer, Pearson Australia;
• Dr Richard Eden, Associate Director-General, Department of Education and Training, Queensland;
• Mr Tony Mackay, Chair, Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership, and Deputy Chair, Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority;
• Ms Susan Mann, Chief Executive Officer, Education Services Australia;
• Dr Michelle Selinger, Director, Education Practice, Cisco Systems;
• Mr Greg Whitby, Executive Director, Schools, Diocese of Parramatta; and
• An Australian Government representative, to be determined.Government representative, to be determined.

Minister for School Education's media release 

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