Nationals Senator for Victoria and chair of the Senate Education and Employment Legislation Committee, Bridget McKenzie, says an innovative new mobile app will encourage parents to get more involved in their children’s education.
“The Learning Potential mobile app, recently launched by Minister for Education and Training, Christopher Pyne, features helpful articles and videos with tips and ideas for parents to become more involved in their child’s learning in childcare through to high school,” Senator McKenzie said.
“For example, there are tips on simple ways to make reading fun for young children even if you don’t have a book. For primary school-aged children, there are educational games for when driving or doing the grocery shopping. For parents with children in high school, there are tips on getting through homework and building their confidence at school.”
The app can be personalised with the child's details in which tips and ideas will be provided relevant to their age plus other useful features. No personal data is collected – the information stays within the device only.
“Research shows that when parents are involved with their child's learning, it can have a very positive impact on their education outcomes,” Senator McKenzie said.
“While parents are spending valuable time with their child, it is building the child's confidence.”
Senator McKenzie said the Learning Potential program is part of the Liberal-Nationals Government's commitment to ensuring children have a quality education from the best teachers, a relevant, up-to-date curriculum, and engaging parents and school communities.
The app is available for Android (version 4.3 and above) and Apple devices (iOS version 7 and above).
The Learning Potential website www.australia.gov.au/learningpotential also contains all of the content from the app, for those who don't own a smart device.