From today the Ministry’s new Connected Learning Advisory – Te Ara Whītiki service will give state and state-integrated schools a place to go to seek expert help with their digital learning questions.
As more and more schools are able to connect to high quality, ultrafast internet services there is an increasing need to help schools make the most of their ability to connectto online resources, tools, experts and more. Through this new advisory service, schools will be able to get free, independent advice on issues such as:
- how to use digital devices to teach the curriculum
- how to use social media to communicate with the school community
- how to lead their school through technological change, and
- which digital devices are available to match a school’s needs.
Schools involved in a pre-launch pilot have been enthusiastic about the new Connected Learning Advisory service. A lead teacher from Vogeltown School said "This service has been great. A very quick response and interesting advice which has made us think more about our journey". and Denyse Healy, Principal of Blenheim School said "The Connected Learning Advisory was valuable and relevant. As a first time principal, I found the advisory very easy to access and the advice was timely and useful".
We invite schools use our new Connected Learning Advisory service by filling in a Connected Learning Advisory form on TKI’s Enabling e-Learning web section or ringing the advisory phone line (0800 700 400) during business hours.
Frequently Asked Questions on this new service are included below. Or visit the Connected Learning Advisory page in TKI’s Enabling e-Learning web section.
Connected Learning Advisory – Frequently Asked Questions
New advisory service
What is the Connected Learning Advisory?
The Connected Learning Advisory – Te Ara Whītiki is a new service that provides free, consistent, unbiased advice on integrating digital technologies with learning for all state-funded schools and kura in New Zealand.
The new advisory will help schools make the most of the digital connections provided by the internet to access the multitude of resources and tools available online, and to better connect with experts, peers and the wider community through digital technologies.
The service includes:
- a helpdesk for schools/kura to seek support as they decide on their next steps in integrating digital technologies with learning, and
- face-to-face and online regional and national professional learning events based on identified needs.
What is the Government investing in the advisory?
A total of $5 million will be invested in the service over three years, starting in 2015. CORE Education has been awarded the contract to operate Ministry of Education's Connected Learning Advisory service.
Why is the advisory needed?
This advisory is about helping teachers take advantage of digital technology to enhance learning in New Zealand’s schools.
Recent research from the 2020 Communications Trust has shown that over 75% of schools surveyed are noticing that digital technologies are helping to raise student achievement, but only 14% feel all their teachers have the necessary skills to manage classrooms with personal student devices.
The government has already invested in ultra-fast broadband and network upgrades, and many schools now have fully-funded, high quality internet access. The new advisory will help ensure teachers have the skills and knowledge to make the most of this technology platform.
Information for schools
Which schools can use the advisory?
The advisory is available to all state-funded and state-integrated primary and secondary schools and kura.
Independent schools, partnership schools and early childhood services are not included in the scope of the advisory.
What will the advisory cost schools?
The Ministry of Education is providing schools with the advisory helpdesk and professional learning events and resources to schools and kura at no cost.
How do schools access the advisory?
We recommend that a school nominee who is best placed to represent school’s digital technology interests make contact with the advisory on the school’s behalf. This might be a senior staff member, an ICT technician, or e-learning leader.
The query will be allocated to an appropriate advisor who will get in touch as soon as possible. Schools can:
- Call the advisory helpdesk on 0800 700 400, Monday-Friday 9am-5pm.
- Complete the online form for the advisory helpdesk at www.connectedlearning.org.nz
- Contact the advisory through the Connected Learning Advisory VLN group
What kind of questions can schools ask the advisory?
Schools and kura can contact the Connected Learning Advisory for support around integrating digital technologies for learning. Examples of questions and needs include:
- what digital technologies and resources are available for schools/kura
- how to use online technologies and digital devices to support the curriculum
- planning for the effective introduction of ultra-fast broadband and WiFi
- how to engage whānau and community using digital technologies
- how to lead your school through technological change
- sourcing laptops, tablets, and other ICT equipment for your classrooms, and
- BYOD, software management, data storage, network standards, video conferencing, ICT infrastructure, and modern learning practices using technology
- technology purchasing decisions to ensure best fit strategically for learning outcomes
What other information is available for schools
Further information on the advisory’s services is available via www.connectedlearning.org.nz and in Māori-medium
Schools can also visit the Ministry’s Enabling e-Learning website to access tools and support to ensure they can take full advantage of the opportunities provided by learning with digital technologies.