$11m tagged to network little schools

The Education Ministry will spend $11 million providing computer networks to small schools.

Education Minister Trevor Mallard said the money - from the ministry's existing capital spending budget for schools - would go towards helping 300 small schools build networks and train staff to administer them. Work would start this year.

"Being connected is fundamental to learning in the 21st century," Mr Mallard said. "Our vision for New Zealand is that all schools can benefit from information and communication technologies."

The project would reduce the wide variation between schools, he said. The ministry will fund 80 per cent of the cost for schools with fewer than 77 students and 75 per cent for schools with fewer than 187.

Mr Mallard also announced a satellite classroom for Kaitaia College that would allow some students to study with the aid of networked computers rather than make a two-hour bus journey to and from school.

The centre would initially be open to Year 9 and 10 students but, if successful, would be opened for Year 11 to 13 students.

- NZPA