The Netbook Project

Introduction

Almost 10,000 school children will receive netbook computers through the Victorian Government Netbook Project, an exciting new educational program.

This section of the website provides background information, including an outline of the Netbook Project trial, information for parents and schools participating in the trial and contact information.  

Netbooks for 10,000 students

Portable computers called “netbooks” weigh just over 1kg and fit easily into a school bag. Loaded with software that students need, and backed up with in-school technical support, the netbooks will give participating students the tools to learn in a digital age.

Wireless internet access will be available at school, and netbooks can also be used at home – with or without internet access.

Families participating in the Netbook Project will lease a wireless-enabled computer for their child for $52 a year, the equivalent of $1 a week.

A netbook is the most recent development in mini notebook technology and will be equipped with more than 28 educational software programs. The Government is contributing to the purchase of these netbooks and software so that they are available to families at a fraction of the cost of their commercial retail price. 

The Netbook Project is part of a global movement towards a 1:1 ratio of students to wireless-enabled computers. Research shows students are more motivated and engaged in learning when they have their own computer. Computer use has also been linked to better organisational skills, improved literacy and numeracy, better collaboration and analytical thinking.

Netbooks promote better learning in and out of school by encouraging:

• anywhere, anytime access to learning
• independent, self-initiated learning
• more family involvement in education
• collaboration between students in different schools, states and other countries. 

The Netbook Project is a trial program involving more than 340 schools.

For more information read the media release: 10,000 High Tech Netbooks Get Students Back to School  (http://www.premier.vic.gov.au/component/content/article/5922.html)

 

Watch the 'In Their Hands' video

This video introduces the Netbook Project and features the Minister for Education, Bronwyn Pike talking about netbooks from within a virtual landscape created using the Kahootz! software used in Victorian schools.