The 2016 Digital Literacy School Grants program was looking for projects that demonstrated new and innovative methods for teaching students how to use and understand digital technology.

By encouraging digital literacy from an early age I hope that we can increase the interest among our students in subjects such as science, technology, engineering and mathematics. These are called STEM subjects and as part of the National Innovation and Science Agenda (NISA), there will be a focus on tackling the digital divide by ensuring that students most at risk of falling behind in the digital age are given opportunities to participate and engage with them. 

This engagement is vital to encourage a lifelong adoption of the subjects. It is important all children in the community have the skills to use digital technology to ensure they are prepared for the jobs of the future.

Up to $4 million had been allocated to the program as part of the Australian government’s $50.6 million commitment, through the National Innovation and Science Agenda, to assist Australian teachers and students to embrace the digital age.

Alongside the Coalition government’s new Digital Technologies Hub, the grants are also designed to support teachers to implement the digital technologies part of the national curriculum by providing guidance and support on digital literacy learning and skills. The Coalition government is committed to improving the teaching and learning of digital literacy for primary and early secondary teachers to help develop fundamental teaching skills and knowledge relating to the new digital technologies curriculum.

Applications close at 5pm (AEDT) on Friday, October 28, 2016. More information on the grants is available at http://education.gov.au/digital-literacy-school-grants-dlsg