Pupils log on for fun learning

Manaia View School students, from left, Anthony Drack, 9, and Jacob Manukau, 10, enjoy their new Chrome books after the school partnered with Te Puawai Education Trust. Photo / Michael Cunningham

The only subjects two classes of Manaia View School students won't be doing online this year is handwriting and physical education.

However, if you ask 10-year-old Jacob Manukau that is fine with him.

"It's better than old school because you have to just sharpen your pencil all the time," he said.

The classes were part of an e-learning trust aimed at eventually getting an individual laptop or tablet for every student from year five and up in Northland.

The Te Puawai Education Trust, established by Northpower at the end of 2014, had 330 students in six Whangarei schools taking part in the pilot programme this year.

Manaia View School principal Leanne Otene said the school was already planning to expand it to all applicable classes next year. The school's Chrome books were delivered over the holidays and students started using them last week.

"The parents have been hugely supportive about it," Ms Otene said. "The kids have got maybe two books and the rest of their stationery is basically the Chrome book."

Northpower Fibre chairwoman Jo Brosnahan said the trust was modelled after a similar programme in Auckland which had resulted in an increase in student achievement.

"The trust is there really to support the schools and most particularly to support the [buying of] devices," she said.

About $20,000 had already been put towards the establishment of the trust by Northpower.

While parents essentially foot the bill for the devices, they were underwritten by the trust. Parents can pay for the devices upfront, pay them off over three years, or the trust was looking at helping those that could not afford it.

Manaia View School parent Sharlene Branson said it was a financially very good option for her family.

"Normally when I want to buy something like this I have to get it on layby," Ms Branson said. "It's manageable for me and this community."

While stationery for her 8-year-old son Balion usual cost around $45, this year it was $4.80.

"I think the biggest thing I like about it he's so engaged," she said.

Teacher Justine Kingi said the implementation of the Chrome books was already having an impact on her class.

"For them, they enjoy it so much they forget they are working," Ms Kingi said.

"All that animation makes it more engaging."

The other schools involved were Whangarei Intermediate, Te Kura Otangarei, Whau Valley Primary, Hikurangi Primary and Tikipunga High School.