Notebook Valley

The Notebook Valley project was launched by the Minister of Education, Hon Trevor Mallard, in June 2001.  As a Digital Opportunities initiative, the purpose of the project was to investigate the use of laptop technologies in the classroom, in particular to determine if they could act as an incentive for maths, science and technology students to remain and excel in the subjects. 

As well as increasing retention and achievement rates, the project also aimed to provide a supportive environment that encouraged collaborative learning.  An example of collaborative learning using the notebooks was the combined inter-school study which monitored the process of how methane levels were measured in Antarctica.  Students had access to scientists and technicians at Scott Base and were able to discuss their findings with them via the Web.

Four colleges in Wellington’s Hutt Valley participated in the project.  Year 12 and 13 students were each given notebook laptops with some Year 12 students able to keep them over the holidays in order that they could continue with their studies during the vacation period. Teachers were also supplied with the notebook laptops.

Technology partners for the project included Compaq, Microsoft and Telstra Saturn (now Telstra Clear) and education software company ITAS/Renaissance.  In total, over 200 notebook laptops with state-of-the-art software installed were provided, as well as home and school internet access.

The project finished at the end of 2003 with the technology being gifted to the schools.  A final Digital Opportunities research study on Notebook Valley is due late 2004.