Clarence MP, Chris Gulaptis has praised Grafton High School’s use of needs-based funding to implement a new digital learning program. Mr Gulaptis, who visited the school last Thursday, said Grafton High School is enriching learning by providing students with individual ‘chrome book’ laptops, combined with access to cloud storage and school-wide wi-fi. “This new program has launched Grafton High into the digital age stratosphere. It is cutting edge and has seen a significant increase in student engagement,” Mr Gulaptis said. “Additional needs-based funding means that all Grafton High School’s students can now use an individual laptop, either the school’s or their own. Improved wi-fi access enables laptops to be used anywhere in the school. “By using cloud storage, students are able to access a vast range of educational apps. They can store and retrieve work from any computer, allowing students to continue with projects at home.” Mr Gulaptis said students are more excited and motivated about learning now they are engaging in additional digital learning. “The school has employed two full-time technical support officers to directly support teachers who want to use technology to improve classroom learning and communicate with students and staff,” Mr Gulaptis said. In 2015 and 2016, Grafton High School received $1,118,659 and $1,212,414 respectively in needs-based funding. The programs at Grafton High School have been made possible by NSW being the first state to sign the Gonski agreement, and it means that NSW students will benefit from needs-based funding totalling $860 million in 2016.