mmg.com.au

McGuire College maths students will be embracing the 21st century next year with the arrival of a batch of new technology.

The school has purchased tablet computers, new software and electronic measuring devices, thanks to funding from Bendigo Bank’s Shepparton branch.

Almost $2300 was donated to the school as part of the bank’s Switch to Save program.

McGuire College maths coordinator Faye Farrant said the money provided a welcome boost to her department.

‘‘It’s been fantastic to have that money because obviously we’ve got some, but we’ve put it together and really bulked up the technology that the maths department have.’’

She said the technology would help foster student engagement as well as provide access to equipment that is used ‘‘out in the real world’’.

‘‘It’ll make a great change from (using) pen and paper. (It) makes maths a bit more fun, but also get the kids using tools that are used out in trades,’’ Ms Farrant said.

‘‘We also envisage using them as a one-on-one targeted tool... so I can cater for individual students’ needs a bit better.’’

Year 8 student Nathaniel Whennen said the new tools would help him with the skills required to be a builder. ‘‘I like it because when I’m older my job’s going to have to involve maths, like measurements and things,’’ he said. ‘‘It might make (maths) a bit easier, but we’ll still have to learn how to use them, so that might take a while.’’