IT lessons turn tables on teachers

By RENEE KIRIONA

Roles have been reversed at a Wellington school as senior students give their teachers lessons in IT.

The Tech Angels from Wellington Girls College have received accolades from Education Minister Trevor Mallard for coaching their teachers in anything from how to set up a digital projector to using the school intranet and designing their own website.

For 17-year-old Denise Duke, who has been mentoring her German language tutor, it has been very satisfying commenting on her progress.

"We don't grade them on an A, B or C basis but it's fun knowing that I know something that well that I can tell my teacher where she's going wrong. "

On Saturday, the group of 25 Tech Angels even got a chance to show off their skills to the first XV from Rosmini College, Takapuna, which is considering taking up the initiative.

Wellington Girls principal Margaret McLeod and IT co-ordinator Raewyn Baldwin adapted the idea from a corporation in Britain that relied on younger staff, referred to as e-possums, to learn IT and pass the skills on to older work colleagues.

"At the time we were thinking of ways of how to increase the IT capacity of teachers," Mrs McLeod said.

"What's great about this is that no one gets exploited. In no way are we using the techno-savvy students as runabouts for us because it works both ways - they learn about technology and become more empowered, as do we."

Even Mrs McLeod has had her fair share of lessons from students.

"I've had some embarrassing moments where I've had to ask a student more than twice how to do something."

Each week for two hours the Tech Angels receive professional training from IT company Natcol and spend between 15 and 30 minutes with their tutors.

Mrs Baldwin said the Tech Angels were usually shy and quiet girls.

"This is a great opportunity for them because it allows those otherwise invisible students to shine."