School communities across NSW differ greatly in terms of internet access, availability of technology and digital literacy. We acknowledge that not all families or communities will be able to equitably access these digital learning platforms during school closures. Schools should be flexible and sensitive to the needs of their community and provide alternative modes of delivery if digital learning platforms are not appropriate for families.

The NSW Department of Education is committed to helping schools stay connected with tools including digital devices and reliable internet connections.

Assess your school's needs

As you plan for a combination of face-to-face and remote learning, you will need a clear understanding of the digital capacity of your students and staff. We encourage schools to conduct a self-assessment of their capacity to deliver learning online. To assist with this, you can take a brief survey that guides school leaders through identifying staff and student needs around devices and internet access.

Access the survey.

Address your school's needs

In order to support teachers and students who have no access to a digital device at home, principals may loan school-owned devices via the Oliver library system. Principals may choose to use the school’s allocated student equity funds to purchase additional devices.

Schools can also:

• provide students with printed copies of activities which can be completed at home

• use existing textbooks or homework books to minimise printing costs and environmental impact

• arrange a time for teachers to speak with students and their families using a mobile phone or landline to discuss assigned tasks

• conduct live web conferencing with students to conduct roll call, check-in with students, introduce topics or conduct pop up lessons.