Students across the nation will soon receive notebook computers, and as a consequence, teaching and learning in schools will change forever.

In New South Wales, all year nine students will receive a computer and at Wingham High it is expects the computers to arrive in early August.

Nevertheless, an initial allocation of 21 notebooks for staff has just arrived and preparation for their introduction has just begun.

There will be an allocation of 167 computers for students.

These notebook computers are smaller than an A4 page but their physical size belies their power and capabilities.

These pocket rockets are powered by a 1.6-gigahurt processor, have two gigabytes of RAM, have a 160 gigabytes hard drive and they are loaded with the full and very latest Adobe and Microsoft suites of software.

The school will soon undergo the fitting of wireless broadband and it is anticipated that this will be completed by January, though there are some question marks about how demountable classrooms will be covered.

Principal Dave Elliott is excited about the development.

“Notebook computers are an exciting learning tool,” he said.

“They will make learning more enjoyable and more meaningful. Teachers and students will be working together to smoothly implement what is probably the biggest ever change to teaching and learning in schools.”

Mr Elliott also cited the wealth of international research that indicated that when students have a computer as their fundamental learning tool at school they become better organised, the quality of their work improves and they become more involved in school and their learning.

In fact, schools have reported improved attendance and a rise in enthusiasm.

Before the computers are distributed there is much to be put in place.

Technology coordinator Craig Colvin will be working hard on the technical necessities and there will be a parent information night, a student forum and many tutorials to get the school community up to speed. Students and parents must sign charters for their use.

Term three will clearly be an exciting time for teachers and students in year nine.