Geraldton Universities Centre receives $15,000 grant to help students learn remotely with improved tech

Geraldton Universities Centre has been awarded a $15,000 grant to upgrade two classrooms, helping students access their classes remotely. The grant was provided by Mitsui E&P Australia and Beach Energy, and helped replace the old projectors and screens with new electronic screens, specialised cameras and speakers. The IT improvement saw new webcam installments in two rooms, including the nursing classroom which was officially opened last Friday. Webcams in the classroom will allow nursing students to engage with tutorials, and have better vision of complex clinical instruction. The two classrooms see up to 15 tutorials a week, with 120 students passing through. GUC director Natalie Nelmes said the changes would provide a more enhanced learning experience for remote students who were unable to attend tutorials in person. Ms Nelmes said: “It is often challenging for a not-for-profit organisation such as the GUC to afford to keep up-to-date with advancing technology, and the sponsorship from Mitsui E&P and Beach Energy has been a godsend.” Mitsui E&P CEO Ken Yamamura said education, skills development, training and employment were important focus areas for Mitsui E&P’s partnerships and sponsorships. “We made a commitment to the communities in which we operate, to contribute to regional and community development, especially in training, education, skills development, employment and sustainable community initiatives,” he said. He added GUC was essential for regional development and helped retain skilled graduates for employment in the region. Mitsui E&P is the operator of the Waitsia Gas Field located 16km south-east of Dongara and 80km south-east of Geraldton. Beach Energy is 30 per cent owned by WA businessman Kerry Stokes, who is also chairman and substantial shareholder in Seven West Media, owner of Seven Network and publisher of The Geraldton Guardian.