From scoreboards to whiteboards: Connectivity a game changer for regional Aussies
Sport-loving father-son duo tells us how access to services over the nbn™ network is helping young Aussies realise their potential in the classroom, and on the playing field.
The students and teachers at Queensland’s Wallangarra State School have an innate love for sport.
When the nbn™ Coaching Clinic - a live-streamed rugby lesson delivery by NRL legends Wally Lewis and Brad Fittler - paid a virtual visit to their school, they saw first hand how services over the nbn™ network are enabling sporting fans to get closer to the action.
We sat down with Scott Koch, the principal of the school and his son Fletcher to talk about how access to fast internet over the nbn™ network is making it easier than ever to view and participate in sport.
What was the nbn™ Coaching Clinic?
The nbn™ Coaching Clinic was a unique virtual coaching session with State of Origin greats Wally Lewis and Brad Fittler.
The coaching clinic showed the impact that fast internet is having on the future of sport in Australia.
Now, no matter where they live, regionally located kids with access to fast internet services are able to learn and participate in sport like never before.
Why did you decide to be involved in the nbn™ Coaching Clinic?
Scott Koch, the principal of Queensland’s Wallangarra State School, and his son Fletcher.
When we were approached to be a part of the clinic, l thought, what a fantastic opportunity!
For many of the kids at my school, their geographical location has meant they have never been to a live match before, and the closest they have come to the action is watching the State Of Origin on TV.
Streaming live to the school, via our service over the nbn™ network, was a huge step in showing the kids what their sporting future could potentially look like. I hope that they are inspired to discover the opportunities that are now available to them from school at a click of a button.
What are some of the key changes you/the staff have noticed in the classroom since being connected to the nbnTM network?
Now, with fast internet via our service over the nbn™ network at Wallangarra, we are able to utilise the latest in technology, such as interactive whiteboards, iPads and video conferencing such as Skype.
Having fast internet means that we can have a whole classroom of kids connected without hassle.* It has made a huge difference to the way the school runs and the kids are able to learn.
What did it mean for the kids to have access to two NRL and Origin greats during the nbn™ Coaching Clinic?
It was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for the kids. They were so excited to see the celebrities on the big screen, and have been talking about it ever since.
Living where we do, getting to a live match and up close to sporting legends can seem impossible. Now, with live streaming a possibility*, the kids were able to get closer to the action than ever before.
Who are you hoping will win this year's Origin series?
The Blues of course!
Eleven-year-old footy fan, Fletcher Koch, shares his father’s passion for sport.
What team do you go for?
My favourite team is the Broncos!
What do you love most about sport?
The best thing about sport is getting to play with rugby with my mates.
How do you think fast internet will help you with your schooling?
Having fast internet makes it easier to learn.
Who are you hoping will win the State of Origin?
Go Queensland!
Watch: State of Origin legends Brad Fittler and Wally Lewis coach regional school kids remotely via the nbn™ Connected Coaching Clinic
Special series: Check out the nbn™ Connected Coaching Clinic to find out how budding sport stars are kicking future goals, thanks to connectivity.
* Your experience including the speeds actually achieved over the nbn™ network depends on the technology over which services are delivered to your premises and some factors outside our control like your equipment quality, software, broadband plans and how your service provider designs its network.