X
Business

Victorian students to get iPads

Following today's Australian release of the Apple iPad, Victorian Premier John Brumby has announced plans to spend over $300,000 purchasing the device for Victorian schools.
Written by Jacquelyn Holt, Contributor

Following today's Australian release of the Apple iPad, Victorian Premier John Brumby has announced plans to spend over $300,000 purchasing the device for Victorian schools.

ipad

Victorian students to become the envy of everyone without an iPad. (Credit: CBSi)

Brumby said that Victoria will be the first state in the country to give schools the chance to get their hands on the latest "it" gadget. However, students (and parents) will have to cross their fingers, with only eight schools set to receive Apple's newest offering.

For those selected, Brumby's plans look good, with more than 500 iPads worth over $629 each set to be distributed among the eight locations. Based on the cost per device, students are expected to receive the 16GB Wi-Fi model.

Three of the eight schools have already been selected: Victorian College of the Arts Secondary School, Manor Lakes P-12 Specialist College in Wyndham Vale and The Royal Children's Hospital's Education Institute. The five remaining schools are still being finalised.

Brumby said that students and teachers wanted access to the latest technology. "The iPad will provide them with the best in innovative learning technology," he said.

This year alone, the State Government has allocated around the equivalent of the GDP of Pacific nation Palau on new technology for students. "This year alone, our government is investing more than $150 million in information communication technology in schools, so students stay up-to-date with the digital age," he said.

Editorial standards