Editorial: Future-proofing our education system

OPINION: It doesn't always pay to be too far ahead of the pack – especially consumers. The large flat-screen TVs that sold for $7000-plus a few years ago can now be bought for a fraction of that.

And it is not only about price. Functionality tends to improve rapidly under intense competition for market share.

Digital cameras get better every year; cars more efficient and safer. Mobile phones with a whole range of features once available only in the most expensive models now sell for less than $100.

The technology companies in particular know well how to adjust their pricing structures to reflect a market based more on greed than need. They know a first wave of buyers will pay premium prices to be among the earliest owners of the latest new toy, with prices set to recoup some of the research, development and marketing costs. A second, larger, clutch of customers will be attracted as competition and an increased supply drive prices down, with a final surge likely as the end of a line is "dumped" to make way for the next big thing.

The debate, then, about whether a specific item of technology – in this case, the Apple iPad – should be preferred, or even compulsory, in schools, raises interesting questions. The iPad is the global leader in computer "tablets", dominating on performance, sales and price, but that won't always be the case.

Cheaper devices are available. Motorola's Xoom matches the iPad2 in most aspects, though is currently dearer. So there are potential dangers in schools specifying particular products for pupils.

While it is essential they are up to speed with technology, the notion that every child at a school might one day be required to possess a particular model seems a step too far.

There are advantages, for example, in people being exposed to various systems and platforms. Locking an entire school community into one particular model might stymie progress rather than be the future-proofing step envisaged by the Auckland school that has added personal computers to the compulsory stationery list.

Orewa College expects all year 9 pupils to be packing a computer – preferably an iPad – from next year. It acknowledges some parents will struggle with the $1000 or so pricetag, so says it's getting in early so those who need to can start saving.

Computer literacy is essential to the economy, and the Government has underscored the importance of technology with its ultra-fast broadband policy. It is likely that, within the next few years, most schools will expect pupils from secondary level at least to have their own portable computers, whether laptops or tablets. Many youngsters will already have them.

The big question is who should pay for those who don't. The devices do not have especially long lives, their use is far from restricted to the classroom and personal ownership seems more appropriate than expecting schools to supply and maintain them in the volumes required.

However, computers sit well above the usual items on the stationery list, and schools or the Education Ministry should either negotiate bulk prices each year for a range of suitable devices on behalf of their school communities, and make available subsidies or rent-to-buy schemes.

One thing is sure – "free" education gets dearer by the year.

- © Fairfax NZ News

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Emile Grey   #2   05:30 pm Aug 03 2011

A bit too selective regarding feedback, I've noticed that my comments are not being put up so, As a winner of Nelsons More FM $25,000.00 Home Make Over where we ended up spending $9,000.00 of our money to make it happen, which I acknowledge has been paid back in full, I will advise that we haven't recieved the full $25,000.00 prize. So I will start posting up to Fairfax Media Advertisers and Media Works Business links with this fact !! The battle begins again !! Emile Grey Nelson

Mike Eagle   #1   09:44 pm Jul 26 2011

Ipads, cell phones,internet, violent computer games and internet porn.

Well now Orewa college you won't even be able to keep it out of any classroom now.

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