Wellington School in New Zealand launches first 'tablet classroom'.
Using technology to make learning more exciting and innovative is the focus of this project. 'A $50 million a year action plan' represents an annual investment of more than $50 million in ICT for schools and sets out goals and activities to support e-learning for the next four years. It has been launched by Education Minister Steve Maharey, on a visit to New Zealand's first Tablet Classroom. This 'tablet classroom' begins classes at Brooklyn School in Wellington today. The trial involves students completing classwork and homework on small, hand-held computers called 'tablets'. The plan is aimed at ensuring teachers continue to have access to the latest tools so they can foster learning in the most exciting environment, as stated by Steve Maharey. New initiatives being funded under the plan include expanding the Virtual Learning Network, access to the Learning Federation, providing remote schools with satellite broadband at a subsidised rate. Students will use a stylus to write and draw on their tablets, these also include foldaway keyboards. Students will do at least 80 per cent of their work on tablets.
