Heads extend e-learning net

E-learning increases students' learning opportunities and gives them the skills needed to function in the digital world. Photo / Thinkstock

Rotorua principals are establishing a Rotorua-wide e-learning community that aims to have internet connectivity across the district and to equip all students with personal learning devices.

The vision is to see all students - from early childhood centres to secondary schools - digitally connected at school, in the community and at home. The project aims to lift engagement and achievement in education and ensure all students have the same learning opportunities.

The project was launched yesterday at the Sudima Hotel as part of the Excel Rotorua education initiative, a $1.69 million social sector trial which focused on target goals, ranging from early childhood education through to high-school leavers. It is facilitated by Te Taumata O Ngati Whakaue Iho Ake Trust and supported by the Ministries of Social Development, Education, Health and Justice and the New Zealand Police.

Several principals spoke at the launch in support of the e-learning project and hoped for the same academic success seen at Auckland's schools with the Manaiakalani programme.

Rotorua Boys' High School Principal Chris Grinter said the task was too big for schools to undertake individually but there was now an opportunity to work together to create "anywhere, anytime learning" for all the district's students.

"Research shows that where these types of models exist, student achievement increases significantly," he said.

Rotorua Intermediate School principal Garry de Thierry said e-learning increased students' learning opportunities and gives them the skills needed to function in the digital world.

"We've seen what this can do on a small scale at our school - whole families are now engaged in learning. The potential benefits for a district-wide initiative are huge," he said.

"We talk about poverty in terms of housing, food, clothing, those types of things, but there is also poverty of opportunity. We want to maximise opportunities for students and build their capacity to learn in different ways and at any time rather than just during school hours."

The initiative was also supported by kura kaupapa Maori school principals who said the challenge would be to enhance students' learning through the project while maintaining the focus on Maori language revitalisation.

Excel Rotorua project leader Leith Comer said Excel Rotorua would support the e-learning project by helping with connectivity professional learning and development, economies of scale purchases, best practice, data collection and research.

Later this year an education trust will be established to continue supporting the initiative and ensure that support is sustained.

Mr Comer said work was under way on options for a network to enable all Rotorua students to get connected to e-learning and there would be engagement with and support for parents.