Netbook TrialLynbrook Conference2009David Westaway

Overview• A trial of approximately 10,000 netbooks across

345 schools in a one to one learning environment• Companion device to support different learning

opportunities – not to replace desktop or notebooks

• A focus on literacy and numeracy

Netbooks•Intel Atom processor 1.6GHz — built with the world's smallest transistors

•1GB DDR Memory

•160GB HDD

•Microsoft Vista (upgraded from XP)

•Up to 7-hour battery life with supplied 6 cell battery in education models

Lenovo S9

Regions:Loddon Mallee Barwon South West

Acer Aspire One 8.9”

Regions:Grampians Northern Metro (part)

Co-contribution Model• In the trial the costs are being shared by the

regions, schools and parents• The netbook is a school owned computer• The netbook is leased for $52 per year• A third $52 option to buy payment at the

end of year 6 will enable parents to own the netbook

• All warranty repairs are covered during the lease

• Excess payable by parents for theft and non warranty repair of $100 for lease period, police report required

Why 1:1 Computing & Why Now?• Laptops allow “anytime, anywhere learning.”

• We can’t afford any more precious classroom space being used up as computer labs.

• We won’t need computer teachers when every teacher teaches with computers.

• Schools have had 1:1 computing for more than 15 years. Microcomputers have been in schools for 25 years. We owe it to our students to close the digital divide immediately and offer expanded learning opportunities.

• The personal computer has revolutionized every other aspect of society and one expects that the same should be true for education now that laptops are more affordable, durable and portable.

21 Steps to 1-to-1 Success

Planning

Implementing

Evaluating

Preparing

Planning

• Step 1: Consider current research • Step 2: Establish the eLearning vision for

1-to-1• Step 3: Engage school council• Step 4: Develop communication strategies• Step 5: Conduct a detailed readiness

assessment• Step 6: Develop a project plan• Step 7: Prepare a detailed budget • Step 8: Select a preferred ownership and

finance model

Preparing• Step 9: Ensure teachers are maximising use of

notebooks• Step 10: Professional learning• Step 11: Learning places and spaces• Step 12: Software, tools and online resources• Step 13: Suppliers and $$• Step 14: Calculate the total cost of participation• Step 15: Support documentation• Step 16: Prepare responses to anticipated

questions

Implementing

• Step 17: Onsite service structures• Step 18: Conduct parent and community

sessions• Step 19: ICT infrastructure and technical

support• Step 20: Distribute student devices

Evaluating

• Step 21: Review and management

Netbook Software

Netbook Trial (EduStar) Software Image

Kahootz V2 Google Sketchup

Debut Google Picasa 2

Blender MSW Logo

MonkeyJam Irfan View

Jing Microsoft Vista

GIMP Microsoft Office 2007

Paint.NET Student (Encarta)

Free Mind Microsoft One Note

Cute PDF Writer Microsoft Groove

Audacity Microsoft Outlook

Gamemaker Internet Explorer

Tuxtyping Producer for PPT

Tuxmath

Linking Netbook Software & Web 2.0 to VELS

Issues• Tech support

– One touch recovery feature– Warranty claims– Tech support costs based on enrolment rather number of

devices

• Insurance– Self insuring

• Software issues– Microsoft licensing vs. Open Source– Operating System Vista vs. XP

Issues• Network issues

– Accessing printers and Network Drives

• Wireless access– Expanding wireless infrastructure; Wins 2?

• Staff support– Composite classes

• Internet – Costs– Acceptable Use

Resources

• Netbook wiki http://netbooktrial.wikispaces.com/ • Selling the Dream of 1:1 Computing – Gary Stager

http://www.stager.org/laptops/talkingpoints/index.html

• Anytime Anywhere Learning Foundation http://www.aalf.org/

• DEECD Netbook Project http://www.education.vic.gov.au/management/ictsupportservices/netbooks/default.htm