Cultivating learner experiences : Using information and communication technology to counter locational disadvantage

In contemporary times, there are children who suffer from limited access to resources, even in some developed countries. In Australia, because of its vast landscape, students in rural and remote locations suffer from a variety of disadvantages. Due to limited resources available in their local environment, students in remote locations do not achieve to their best potential. This chapter illustrates how information and communication technology (ICT) may enable educators to engage students in interactive learning activities online. The study is part of a collaborative research project known as Ngara Wumara in Aboriginal language, which means “cultivating capabilities” in English, funded by the Australian Research Council (LP140100481). As part of the research project, interviews were conducted with children who worked in a circus, their parents, and other adults, who traveled with the circus from place to place. As their special circumstances prevented them from attending school on a regular basis, the children attended a virtual project-based learning program via Google Classroom. Interview data showed that ICT can expand accessibility to collaborative learning for students who have limited opportunities in a traditional classroom. However, effective virtual classroom environments require adequate technical and infrastructure support, which should be the government’s priority in distance education.