Recommendation 24 Access to digital learning at school
Recommendation 24. We recommend that the Government consider introducing policies and initiatives to ensure that every child at school in New Zealand has access to digital learning at school.
Comment: For every child to have access to digital learning at school – and outside the classroom – the government must supply the equipment needed. Fortunately recent trends have positioned suitable equipment at an acceptable price point.
A 7in tablet with wireless-only connectivity, a battery life longer than the school day and an Android operating system running Google Docs collaborative software would cost less than $100 NZD and the device would last for 4 years. Many schools are asking students to provide a device like an iPad which is much more expensive. Schools may choose to provide a voucher for $100 so that parents may buy whatever they want provided that it has the above or similar specifications.
From a funding point-of-view only 1-in-4 students would be provisioned each year and the devices would have a life of 4 years.
Given wireless connectivity to the school this would meet all school needs for general students.
For students studying subjects needing a more highly configured device the equipment could be provided in school or as a laptop with the student getting a voucher towards the cost.
