$9.6m for schools project

Education Minister Steve Maharey will today announce a $9.6 million spending spree on computers for new learning techniques in schools.

The Government will invest the money over the next three years to support 30 clusters of schools with plans to put information and communication technology at the heart of teaching. Among the projects earning funding are:

* A group of five South Auckland schools developing 'e-portfolios' of their work to help with the transition from primary to intermediate school.

* Two North Shore schools creating computer games that integrate learning across subjects.

* Nine rural South Island primary schools will explore digital video and audio, email, blogging and digital imaging.

* A group of eight primary schools in Christchurch using voice-over internet and online chatrooms to share teaching ideas and information.

Mr Maharey will announce the funding at Sancta Maria College in Botany Downs. The school is part of a cluster with Elim College and Lady Star of the Sea, which will use web technology to share information with the community.