Virtual Learning Network

Kia ora koutou, we hope you’ve had a wonderful break over summer. No doubt you’re getting ready or have already started back in 2020. The Enabling e-Learning team is excited to bring you some more valuable resources and new virtual PLD opportunities this year; as we continue to explore with and through e-learning and about digital technologies.

In support of the implementation the new digital technologies content of the Technology Learning area, Classroom internet in hundreds of schools to get a boost (24 January 2020). Two recent technology publications worth reading in preparation include:

• Digital technologies implementation support tool 2020 – A timely document offering opportunity to discuss and plan the implementation of digital technologies in your local context.
• On your marks...Get set...Go! A tale of six schools and the digital technologies curriculum content ERO conducted case studies of six schools’ implementation of the digital technologies curriculum content in Term 1, 2019. Schools that had successfully integrated the curriculum had leaders who promoted a growth mindset for teachers and looked to integrate digital technologies into existing curriculum. Timely professional development for teachers and positive community connections also enhanced schools’ ability to integrate the digital technologies curriculum.

For the latest e-learning related news, see Enabling e-Learning (TKI) and for more free PLD support, join Kia Takatū`-ā-Matihiko and engage with the resources and other teachers around the country about implementing digital technologies in the curriculum. 

So, what have our students been missing out on? Here's what Caitlin Duncan has to say. Find out what other teenagers have to say in Kia Takatū-ā-Matihiko's pikau on, Why Digital Technologies? 

Bigger picture developments will no doubt include actions emerging at a national level, to address Tomorrow’s School reform recommendations; as well as the Ministry’s new priorities in schools and kura, which will reset from Term 3 2020. These are:

• cultural capability for English Medium and mātauranga and te reo Māori for Māori Medium
• local curriculum design for English Medium and marau ā-kura for Māori Medium
• assessment for learning for English Medium and aromatawai for Māori Medium

Enabling e-Learning already have some rich kōrero and resources (see below) and will invite further engagement around this mahi throughout the year. As always we’d love to hear what you’d like to see more of.

So as we face the beggining of 2020, what keeps you up at night and what would a good solution look like for you or your school/kura?

Also see:

• Who's sparking up your localised curriculum? : Virtual Learning ...
• Place-based learning and culturally responsive practice in a ...
• Recorded Interview: Digital tools to support Māori language, culture ...
• FORUM: Assessment in a digital age May 26 - June 26 : Virtual ...
• Enabling e-Learning (TKI) - Curriculum areas and e-learning  

Image sources: Flickr Stewart Baird, Summer break, Attribution-Non Commercial-No Derivs 2.0 Generic (CC BY-NC-ND 2.0), Needix.com Important information CCCO