Plan for exams to go online

themercury.com.au

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TASMANIAN high school students could soon be able to sit exams online if the Liberals are returned to government, Education Minister Jeremy Rockliff said on Friday.

“There is a growing call for senior secondary assessments and exams to be undertaken in the same way students study — using technology and online platforms,” Mr Rockliff said.

“We will invest $4.7m to start building or licensing a secure, reliable, fit-for-purpose online assessment platform that connects to existing student management systems.”

In total, the Liberals say they will invest $7.5bn in education over the forward estimates.

“All students, regardless of their circumstances, deserve to learn in state-of-the-art facilities, and we will commit $100m to undertake an extensive program to revitalise learning spaces in our schools and colleges right around the state,” Mr Rockliff said.

The government said it would also invest $9.2m in additional professional support staff and provide free access to speech pathologists, psychologists and social workers in every Child and Family Learning Centre.

The mental health program Stay ChaTY would also be extended in Tasmanian schools.

And “to continue taking a strong stance against bullying in our schools” Mr Rockliff said $6.3m would be spent on anti-bullying measures in secondary schools by making student bathrooms safer and expanding its school lunches pilot to 30 schools with an investment of $1.4m.