NextG Laptop trial
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Students at Gin Gin State High School and Varsity College have shown that laptops with enhanced access to the web can invigorate learning.
See the Varsity College podcast to hear what the school has learned about these devices.
Overview
Almost 50 students from Gin Gin State High School and Varsity College took part in a trial of Acer ultra-thin laptops connected 24 hours a day, seven days a week to Telstra’s high-speed mobile broadband network, NextG.
Participating schools were chosen to provide a contrast in coverage areas for NextG usage.
Main objectives
The primary aim of this trial was to determine the suitability of NextG as an alternate connectivity option for student laptops in Queensland state schools.
Further, this trial aims to:
- determine the suitability of a ultra-thin class of mobile device within schools
- identify the expected usage patterns of NextG in schools if this service was to be made available as an alternate connectivity option.
Achievement of the objectives
The department conducted a trial involving two schools to compare NextG coverage areas.
Varsity College chose its Year 8 Chinese emersion class to trial the laptops, enabling students to complete task work in English and Chinese.
Gin Gin State High School involved its Years 11 and 12 Legal Studies students in the trial. They used their laptops to research legal case studies and more. Being a regional school, Gin Gin State High School was able to test its NextG coverage at school and at semi-rural home settings.
Timeline of key aspects
Date |
Key aspect |
August, 2010 |
Trial begins at two state high schools |
September - November 2010 |
Trial schools share their experiences via a virtual classroom and provide feedback on the device and internet capability |
December 2010 |
End of trial and evaluation |
End of trial report
The final report for the NextG Laptop Trial (PDF, 883k) is now available.
Need more information?
Senior Project Officer
Phone: (07) 3421 6331
Fax: (07) 3421 6433
