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Western Australia's secondary school science teachers now have a permanent venue in one of Australia's leading universities where they can participate in professional learning and resource development.

The University of Western Australia's new Centre for Learning Technology will be opened at 12.20pm today, Tuesday, March 11, 2008, on the ground floor, north wing of UWA's Physics Building.

The $3 million state-of-the-art Centre for Learning Technology facility has been funded by UWA to support the SPICE program and provides an innovative home for the program.

"The key to nurturing scientific imagination lies in fostering positive learning environments in our schools and universities where high-quality teachers and academics can work in the knowledge they have the support of government and the community," said UWA Vice-Chancellor, Professor Alan Robson.

The Centre for Learning Technology was formed in 2000 and is now a nationally recognised developer of education programs and resources, and provider of professional learning technology services to secondary science teachers. To date, more than 1,500 teachers and students have been directly involved in SPICE, including 20 teachers who have developed resources for their colleagues in schools.

The SPICE program is a partnership between the Department of Education and Training and The University of Western Australia to support secondary science teachers to stimulate students' interest in science.

SPICE was launched in 2006 for an initial period of three years with total funding from the Department and UWA of $5 million.

The centre is well equipped with the latest state-of-the-art learning technologies, including computer laboratory, sound studio, photographic/3D visualisation studio, 60-seat presentation room and purpose-built training rooms with interactive whiteboards, LCD screen displays, digital projectors and 24 laptops ready for professional learning sessions.

Media references

Roger Dickinson (Centre for Learning Technology) 61 8 6488 3917
Janine MacDonald (UWA Public Affairs) 61 8 6488 5563 / 0432 637 716