Taking a virtual field trip to Minnamurra rainforest for geography students, using sound files to improve language skills and taking part in monitored online forums are some of new features introduced as part of the site’s redevelopment, brought about by the introduction of the new Higher School Certificate syllabus.

The success of the site launched in 1997 to provide support to students, teachers and parents with easy access to a broad range of resources, has exceeded the expectations of its creators at Charles Sturt University and the NSW Department of Education and Training. 

"This new HSC Online site has given us the opportunity to really showcase just how powerful a learning tool the Internet can be, particularly for regional students," said CSU Vice-Chancellor Professor Cliff Blake.

"Remoteness and rural isolation have set regional students at a disadvantage over city based students in the past but through the development of the New HSC Online, this gap has been significantly reduced and we are seeing students in small country schools able to maximise their HSC performance as a result," he said.

In the lead up to the 2000 HSC, the site received up to 80 000 hits a day, a large proportion from regional students, indicating the significant role it played in supporting students and teachers.

Many of the new elements to the site have been implemented through feedback from students and teachers while extra resources for parents have been included in recognition of their role in the learning process.

Minister for Education and Training John Aquilina will be joined by CSU Vice-Chancellor Professor Cliff Blake at the Australian Technology Park, Sydney on Monday 2 April at 11.30am, to officially launch the new site. Molong Central School Captain Leanne McKenzie will also speak at the launch about the impact of the new site on regional students.

The site currently supports 23 subject areas and is updated regularly with the latest links and information. A team of teachers, academics and technical staff is currently working on materials for a further 13 subjects. See more at http://hsc.csu.edu.au/