Teachers get chance to network online

Teachers will get the chance to network with other teachers from around the country thanks to a new online forum.

Rotorua educators are joining forces to provide a series of online activities with the aim of connecting teachers and raising digital technology awareness.

Connected Educator New Zealand (Cenz) is back for a second year, giving teachers the chance to network, engage in professional development and create a community of teachers around the country, all within an online forum.

The series of events, which started this week, run throughout October .

Online events and activities include forums and conversations with experts, webinars, virtual guided tours, Maori and Pasifika learning and live streams from the ULearn15 educators' conference.

Western Heights High School teacher Alex Le Long is organising two events, alongside Mokoia Intermediate deputy principal Annemarie Hyde and Broadlands School assistant principal Marnel van der Spuy.

Ms Le Long took part in the event last year and said it was an eye-opener.

"These types of events are incredibly important for networking and developing as a teacher.

"The modern education system is changing so rapidly and it is expected that we teach our students to be connected individuals - we can't do that without being open to digital connectivity as well."

The two Rotorua-specific events are #Connected Rotorua - Pass the Blog and #EdBlogNZ.

Both are designed to encourage collaboration and sharing of best practise between Rotorua schools and the wider teaching community.

Ms Le Long said the group hoped #Connected Rotorua - Pass the Blog would continue to be used by local schools after Cenz ended.

Ms van der Spuy said by becoming a "connected educator" she had been able to connect with other teachers, locally and globally.

"We are able to develop our shared visions and common goals and can discuss the needs for future focus learning."

She said being a connected educator provided ongoing inspiration and support.

"Educators know that the world is changing at an incredible pace for our students and if we want to prepare them for their future, it is important that we also become connected learners. "Rotorua is a wonderful place to live and to learn and it is my aim that more educators would see the value of being connected."