Independent Schools Network

The Independent Schools Network (ISNet) is a high-speed broadband linking Members Schools with local, national and international educational services through the internet.

Some 120 regional and metropolitan schools are connected with ISNet, which is providing more than 30,000 students with interactive learning during and after school and opening classroom doors to the world.

The network has evolved from Project VICTOR, launched in 2008 by the Minister for Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy, Senator Stephen Conroy, at Mowbray College in Melton. (See archive)

About half the cost was met by the federal government and the other half by what is now Independent Schools Victoria and Member Schools. Telstra provided broadband telecommunications as part of the Victorian Government’s existing service contracts.

Before 2008, many smaller schools and those in rural Victoria were unable to provide a full range of internet-based educational programs, particularly in the final years of schooling.

A survey showed that:

• less than seven per cent of regional schools were able to provide on-line distance collaboration
• fewer than 20 per cent could take part in video-conferencing
• only one-third could provide structured online learning.

Today, ISNet is providing video-conferencing so students from different schools can work together, sharing educational resources for English, science and mathematics. Students can investigate climate change, globalised economies, emerging technologies, changing populations and new directions provided by science and medicine.

A partnership with AARnet is opening the classroom doors to Australian research institutions, universities, the CSIRO and international educational services.

In summary ISNet:

• increases access to educational resources and curriculum materials and internet excursions
• strengthens collaboration and relationship-building between campuses and schools, across the state, nationally and internationally
• enables parents to participate in children’s learning
• provides instant access to up-to-date information.

Teachers benefit from professional learning opportunities. School management receives electronic briefings and support materials.

Independent Schools Victoria has engaged the IT infrastructure and business communications company, The Somerville Group, to deliver high capacity education services to Member Schools. The aim is to offer all Independent schools in Victoria enhanced education services tailored for the needs of today and into the future with the financially attractive benefit of savings through cooperation within the sector.