Mr Brumby said the Ideas Lab in Broadmeadows will be a hub for national and international research into technology and how it can best be used to help teachers and students in the global classroom.

“Education is our number one priority and the Victorian Government is taking action to ensure today’s students have the tools to become tomorrow’s innovators,” Mr Brumby said.

“Young people are so techno-savvy that even a computer mouse is almost becoming old hat.

“We want them to be as excited by the idea of using technology in the classroom as they are when using it socially and at home – and that means staying ahead of the game through innovation and good ideas.

“While it’s great to have all the latest technology in schools, it’s just as important to use it to its full capacity in educating the next generation of innovators.”

The Ideas Lab, which will operate from the Hume Global Learning Centre, is a partnership with the world’s leading technology companies, Microsoft, Intel and Cisco Systems, and the University of Melbourne and Hume City Council.

“Through these partnerships the Ideas Lab will have access to leading international thinkers in information technology,” Mr Brumby said.

“The Ideas Lab will also provide a space for teachers and students to explore, share and test new ideas when it comes to emerging technology and its use in the classroom.”

Education Minister Bronwyn Pike said the Ideas Lab is an important part of the Broadmeadows Schools Regeneration Project, which will see seven brand new state-of-the-art government schools built in Broadmeadows.

“These schools will have a particularly close relationship with the Ideas Lab and the benefits of its work will flow on to students and teachers across Victoria and beyond,” she said.

“I’m sure we will see some really amazing ideas from this partnership between the world’s best thinkers in this field and our teachers and students.

“We need to keep generation Y and Z engaged in their education and the best way to do this is to ensure their learning environment is cutting edge.”