The new computer lab is part of an overall focus on providing more computer technology at the school, which principal Penny Small described as being “perhaps the best technology resourced school in the district”.

Every classroom at Bowen is equipped with a $5000 “smart board” system, a 21st century take on the dreaded blackboard left behind in the wake of the digital teaching revolution.

“Those boards are just a part of the overall scheme. Every teacher at the school is also provided with a laptop because if they don’t know how the technology works how are they going to teach it,” Ms Small said.

“We’ve got to think how the kids think. We may as well give them the opportunity to learn through digital technology because as far as literacy goes it is a higher level of thinking than traditional teaching methods.”

The computer lab, which opened yesterday, specialises in teaching children the latest movie-making technology.

‘Look at the way the kids interact when they are on the computers. This is the way to learn now, there is no good to be had in me or any of the other teachers just up there talking. The other benefit is that you don’t have any instances of behaviour problems in class because they are too busy being stimulated and engaged.”

The computer lab cost over $30,000 to install and benefited from an Orange Credit Union community grant of $5000.

Have your say: Do you own a business that can help donate more computer and technology equipment to Bowen Public School? Email bevan.shields@ruralpress.com and we will pass on your offer of assistance.