The laying of fibre optic cable is a Christchurch City Council initiative, and the Ministry of Education has made a commitment to connect 97% of New Zealand schools by 2016. We took it upon ourselves to get connected earlier than our projected date of 2011. It allows us to further integrate ICT into our teaching and learning, with a goal of creating an e-learning environment.
In just five years society has seen significant changes due to evolving technology. The number, range and accessibility of devices has increased markedly. All teachers have a computer in their classrooms and increasingly more students have their own computers at home. As well as cellphones, students have other devices that allow them to find, receive and store information. We have more wireless access points at home, in the library, and even in coffee shops around town. Naturally, students want to use this capacity to be in touch.
In the last year I have been part of an exciting local initiative that takes advantage of these new technologies. I am currently on the Steering Committee leading the formation and development of the Greater Christchurch Schools’ Network (GCSN). This network, facilitated by fibre optic connectivity, will allow schools to:
• effectively access and share content with other schools
• participate in real-time video conferencing and virtual classrooms
• access innovative education, ICT and communications service providers
• connect securely to the internet at speeds up to 100 mega bytes per second
Working on this project has given me an insight into the opportunities technology provides for schools. I believe the GCSN will change the way students learn; therefore I am determined to gain a greater understanding of learning networks and e-learning in particular. My aim is to make Riccarton a lead school in the use of ICT in teaching and learning. I believe future education will mean schools will establish learning networks rather than being sole providers – that is, a borderless/seamless education system. This will require new ways of thinking to provide a collaborative learning infrastructure, facilitated by fibre optic connectivity and dedicated to providing innovative education.
Already there are pockets of such developments that are leading the way internationally. It is important that New Zealand schools learn from their experiences and build on their developments. Schools will need to consider how this technology will impact on the way they operate in the provision, funding and support of ICT services and technology and the impact on student learning.
Our aim is student engagement through innovative use of ICT which is fully integrated into our teaching practices. A taste of what is possible occurred on Thursday 17 June when a group of students from 9Wl, together with students from Burnside, Christ’s College, Kaiapoi and Halfmoon Bay School in Stewart Island, participated in a video conference with New Zealand author Kate de Goldi. The students thoroughly enjoyed the experience and were excited and inspired by Kate. Thanks to Paul Rodley (ICT Manager) at Christ’s College for lending us a portable video conference unit to start us on our way.
The end of the second term is fast approaching, past the shortest day, and with much wet and cold weather. It has been another busy term for the school on the cultural, academic and sporting fronts. Senior Reports have been issued (Junior Reports are issued on Friday 2 July) and students will now have both a clearer picture of progress to date, and the next steps in their learning. Often it is the little things that make the difference here - setting clear targets and committing to achieve them. To this end we have modified the Senior Report cover page to include more specific information regarding progress towards NCEA. A new section states the number of credits attempted and achieved so far. In addition each student’s academic goals are included. These goals are formulated during the career development interviews students have with Ms Walker, the Careers Adviser. All Year 12 and 13 students have had an interview and their goals appear on the reports. Year 11 interviews are underway at present.
Finally, I want to make mention of two recent events. First, the excellent performance of our chorale at “Big Sing” at the Town Hall on Friday 11 June. Under the directorship of Helen Charlton, the quality of the chorale’s performance at this showcase event was outstanding. They impressed again at the Performing Arts Awards assembly last Wednesday. Secondly, the Kaikorai Winter Sports Exchange, involving 90 students and 4 staff from Dunedin, took place on Thursday17 and Friday 18 June. It was successful on several fronts. The large combined Social on Thursday was a positive, fun and incident-free evening and our sports teams showed grit and determination in retaining the Winter Shield. What stood out for me was the positive, warm and supportive atmosphere that surrounded the occasion. We were good hosts and the visit confirmed yet again why I feel so proud to be leading this school.
We now look forward to the Mid-winter Masquerade Senior Ball to be held at the Hotel Grand Chancellor on Saturday 26 June. It is always a highlight for students and a great way to end the term. The staff and students now deserve a good holiday break to recharge the batteries before we embark on the second half year’s work.
Phil Holstein
Principal
The last twenty years confirm that technological change is not additive. It is ecological. The World Wide Web doesn’t change something – it changes everything.
(Tomorrow’s Schools –twenty years on)