Melbourne, Australia – February 2, 2009: Ten thousand Victorian Government students who started the 2009 school year today will open the window to a portable virtual classroom under a new three-year trial of mobile, mini netbook computers launched by Premier John Brumby.
Mr Brumby and Education Minister Bronwyn Pike signalled the start of the school year for Victoria’s 536,800 Government school students today by delivering the new mini netbook computers to Hume Central Secondary College.
“We’re helping Victorian students take their learning beyond the classroom walls and out into the world as these powerful and compact netbooks will allow students to learn anywhere and anytime,” Mr Brumby said.
“This Netbook pilot will open the door for thousands of students at more than 344 schools in regional and traditionally lower socio-economic areas to keep pace with all the benefits of modern learning by making 24-hour online access possible for just $1 per week.
“The Victorian Labor Government has made a commitment through our Education Blueprint that we don’t want to see any student left behind when it comes to education, no matter where they live or their social circumstances.
“Education is this government’s number one priority and young people all across the state will start school in 2009 safe in the knowledge that they will continue getting a 21st Century education to equip them for 21st Century jobs.”
Ms Pike said this latest technology education boost will form a three-year Netbook Project seeing 10,000 years 5, 6 and 7 and 8 students using the latest compact mini netbook computers from Acer and Lenovo, equipped with 28 educational software programs.
“This program sends a clear signal across the state – especially to families with concerns about their ability to afford their child all the benefits of a modern education – that our Government will continue to stand up for them and provide their children every chance to succeed and shine,” Ms Pike said.
“Victorian students and schools are becoming increasingly technology-rich thanks to our unprecedented investment in technology in the classroom, including wireless access point upgrades at all the schools that have opted in to this trial program.
“This trial will deliver affordable access to technology for thousands of Victorian families who will save hundreds of dollars on computer software and they will no longer need to buy their children a scientific calculator and atlas.
“This is just one of many ways this Government will continue to invest in new, cutting-edge education to ensure that Victorian students get better outcomes by having quality schools, teachers, and the best possible learning opportunities and programs.”
Software will include Microsoft Office, Microsoft Student with Encarta Premium, animation program Kahootz, computer aided design program Google SketchUp and a range of other free open source multimedia programs.
Chief Executive Officer of global computing giant Lenovo William Amelio, said his company was looking forward to the trial being run in Victoria’s because Victoria continued to prove itself as an educational leader on a global scale.
“Students increasingly need the tools of technology to help get the most out of their education and we believe that the innovative use of technology can help students, faculty and administrators better meet the ever-increasing challenges of the 21st century,” Mr Amelio said.
“Today’s students are mobile, they learn everywhere. Victoria is providing them the opportunity to bring their IdeaPad netbook virtual classroom with them anywhere and access it anytime.”
In addition to the family contribution, the Government will contribute $312 per device covering two-thirds of the cost. Schools will own the devices, however students can take them home and will have an option to purchase in the final year of the trial.
The Acer and Lenovo mini netbooks, which weigh around one kilogram, are due to be delivered to the schools in late February and will come complete with a webcam and a comprehensive suite of software.
Each netbook is worth about $900 including the protective cover, power cord, six cell battery, warranty and insurance, and comes with 28 educational software programs.
Region
Number of participating schools
Barwon South West
110
Grampians
85
Loddon-Mallee
136
Northern Metropolitan
13
TOTAL
344