Notebookcheck Logo

New Zealand plans to distribute 31,000 portable computers to children

Teaser
Labour party in New Zealand reveals plans to distribute 31,000 portable computers to low-decile students

Roadmap for laptops or netbooks to over 31,000 children in low decile schools has been welcomed in New Zealand - but there have been a rising concern about the fair penetration this project will have. There have been rumors that Labour’s this plan could leave behind the middle-class children. 

The political party yesterday announced a $ 75 million e-learning package that would give students 7-13 years of low decile schools access to the same types of technology that is already mandatory in many schools in the top decile . 

"We know that technology is one of the most important tools in the development of 21st century schools," said spokeswoman Sue Moroney education. "Mobile devices are now part of the paperwork requirements in some high decile schools. 

"However, despite our world-class education system and the dedication of teachers, some of our children are still losing them can not reach and is released These are often the most vulnerable students -. Maori, Pasifika and children low-income families. " – reports New Zealand Herald.

Ms. Moroney said each student of selected 1-3 schools will be given $600 as expenditure in the year 7th till 13th. It would then be up to the school to decide what type of device - a laptop, iPhone or netbook - the money was put in and whether the student has to take home with them or remained in school. 

Secondary principals' Association President Patrick Walsh, said the laptops will be extended to all schools, not just low-decile schools. "[People] think that colleges and mid-decile money, but actually also have a high group of students who struggle to pay for laptops and iPads." 

He said the technology was becoming so important - some schools abroad do not even have textbooks now - it was not fair to provide funds so that only some schools. 

Ms. Moroney said the initiative would be funded in part by savings of $ 14.1 million a year suspension programs, such as private school scholarships for students from low decile schools. 

Source(s)

Please share our article, every link counts!
> Expert Reviews and News on Laptops, Smartphones and Tech Innovations > News > News Archive > Newsarchive 2011 11 > New Zealand plans to distribute 31,000 portable computers to children
Pallab Jyotee Hazarika, 2011-11-11 (Update: 2012-05-26)