Editorial: E-learning a key to our success

Kim Gillespie

It's many years since I finished my schooling - so it's little surprise education has changed as much as it has.

Sure, there were computers and basic software around - we even had computer classes available - but there was no sign of the internet or even, if I remember rightly, mouses.

Our computer at home was a ZX81 with 16k memory - smaller than the file size of any image on this page. Software was loaded via a cassette deck which made a fax screech when running.

I'm sure you get the point - we've come a long way.

We can move the focus from learning about technology to learning with technology.
Computers and the internet are such a major part of everyday life now. For many families there is little time most members are not looking at a screen.

Even workplaces where there were no computers a few years ago rely on smartphones for communication, websites for marketing and maybe even software for accounting and the like.

By the time our kids leave school it will be even more vital they're at home in the digital realm - that using computers to do almost anything is second nature.

A bold initiative in Rotorua will help us reach that goal.

Local principals are establishing a New Zealand-first e-learning community that aims to equip all students with personal learning devices as part of the Excel Rotorua education initiative.

The vision is to see all students - from early childhood centres to secondary schools - digitally connected at school, in the community and at home, with the aim to lift engagement and achievement in education.

In our story about this week's launch of the project, Rotorua Intermediate School principal Garry de Thierry talked about "poverty of opportunity", and maximising students' chances to learn in different ways and at different times.

In a way it's outside the box thinking but it makes sense.

The e-learning project already has great support from the community, but as parents many of us will also play a huge role in making it a success.

Let's show the rest of the country what our kids can achieve.