University of Tasmania, Australia

National Centre for Science, Information and Communication Technology, and Mathematics in Rural and Regional Australia (SiMERR) Projects

The National Centre for Science, Information and Communication Technology, and Mathematics in Rural and Regional Australia (SiMERR) was funded by the Department of Transport and Regional Services (DoTARS) from 2005 to 2008 and based at the University of New England in Armidale. Each state and territory had its own Hub of SiMERR with the University of Tasmania hosting the Tasmanian Hub. The purpose of SiMERR was to provide a national forum for addressing issues relating to the key areas of science, ICT, and mathematics, particularly as they concern rural and regional communities. Each Hub was funded with matching funds from a local university (cash and in-kind) and the National Centre. Subject to approval by the National Centre, Hubs were allowed considerable freedom in how local projects were carried out and evaluated. In Tasmania 14 projects initiated within the state were completed over three years, as well as one focus group project nationally funded by DEST as part of a national survey organised by SiMERR. Although the national funding has ceased, the Hub has continued its research and interest in rural and regional issues in Science, Mathematics, and ICT Education in Tasmania. It sponsored a Summit in June 2008 attended by over 80 people from across the state who had similar interests and links to SiMERR’s. In 2009 SiMERR has been funded by the Faculty of Education to continue with some of the research initiatives begun with earlier funding and to focus on outcomes associated with professional learning where considerable experience was developed over the SiMERR projects. Details of the SiMERR projects, summit and personnel are found on its web site.

For further information contact Professor Jane Watson, Hub Coordinator.
Telephone: +61 (0)3 62262570
Email: Jane.Watson@utas.edu.au