Even the Victorian government has been swept up in the Reality Distortion Field and has ordered 500 iPads for express delivery.
Victorian Premier John Brumby today announced the state would buy more than 500 of Apple’s iPad devices, to be distributed to eight schools in the state in a trial of the technology.
“This trial will allow us to understand the impact of iPads on student learning and communication, and on the way teachers plan and deliver curriculum in the classroom,” said Brumby in a statement. The iPads are the lowest priced model — at $629, they come with 16GB of memory and no 3G connection.
The department hasn’t yet finalised its list of the schools which would participate in the trial, but some of those which would be included would be the Victorian College of the Arts Secondary School in Southbank and Manor Lakes P-12 Specialist College in Wyndham vale.
In addition, students with illnesses at the Royal Children’s Hospital will also receive iPads — through the hospital’s Education Institute.
“Education is the top priority of this Government and our Australian-first trial of iPads in schools will ensure our students remain one step ahead when it comes to emerging technology,” Brumby added. “Students and teachers want access to the latest technology, and the iPad will provide them with the best in innovative learning technology.
The Apple iPad went on sale this morning in Australia to great interest from consumers, many of whom lined up in the cold for hours overnight to be the first to buy the device.
Apple stores across the nation were packed from 8AM. In addition, Apple simultaneously launched its new store in Bondi Junction, Sydney, finishing final construction details overnight.
Delimiter