The Trial Of The iPad Begins

News bulletin: 1 June 2010

Eight Victorian Government schools are amongst the first to take part in an iPad trial, part of an initiative designed to test how the latest technologies can create a more modern classroom.

More than 500 iPads will be dispersed amongst the eight schools, each worth $629. The trial will be focused on understanding the impact of iPads on student learning and communication, on the way teachers plan and deliver curriculum in the classroom and on the iPad’s potential for learning in the future.

Mobile devices and the internet are already being used at school and at home by most students to interact with their peers. It’s these behaviours which have led Premier John Brumby to believe that the iPad will capture the interest of students and in turn “deliver learning benefits.” 

It’s forseen that the iPad will be used alongside NetBooks, interactive whiteboards and the Ultranet to enhance student learning.

The schools participating in the trial include the Victorian College of the Arts Secondary School, Manor Lakes P-12 Specialist College in Wyndham Vale and students at the Royal Children’s Hospital. The Department is still finalising the remaining schools that will participate in the trial.

Mr Brumby said the iPad trial was one of many innovative technology programs being rolled out at Victorian Government schools.

Further information regarding the iPad trial will be available shortly.