MindSpring is an online learning portal that enables teachers from around the country to share teaching resources while students have 24x7 access to complete assignments and homework.
"Anytime anywhere learning means education can become more flexible than it currently is," the Minister said.
MindSpring can also provide students with instant feedback and allow parents to monitor their child's progress.
The Minister also said MindSpring would be an ideal learning environment for children in hospital or overseas or for students working on long-term projects.
Lead by Riccarton High School, MindSpring will be used by 30 schools from Cape Reinga to the Bluff with more joining as the three year pilot progresses.
Technology partners, Microsoft New Zealand and Unisys New Zealand were also at the launch.
Mike Askew, General Manager Global Outsourcing, Unisys New Zealand said the benefits of a professionally centralised data centre like MindSpring was threefold by providing better security, greater ease for information sharing and significant cost benefits to schools.
Microsoft New Zealand's Managing Director, Ross Peat said Microsoft was delighted and excited to be part of MindSpring and the launch was a very important milestone.
"It's a celebration of public private partnership. I think it is something that collectively, if we do it well in New Zealand it will help to make this a better place to live, a better place for education, and a richer place too," Mr Peat said.
