Our teachers to benefit from portal cash jab

Manawatu teachers will be among the first to test the waters of the Government’s new ‘‘ pond’’.

In a move towards a new era of modern learning, $ 211 million is being poured into a managed internet network for New Zealand schools – which is touted as a world first.

The Network for Learning ( N4L) package runs as the best mix of ultrafast, predictable and uncapped broadband available to Kiwis.

It also hosts a content filtering service for safe online surfing – free for schools.

As part of a Core Education’s roadshow – a professional learning and development conference held at St Peter’s College in Palmerston North yesterday – Manawatu’s teachers and early childhood educators had a hands- on day covering e- learning tips and tools.

More than 100 teachers took part in a workshop to learn the ins and outs of the N4L’s new portal called ‘‘ pond’’.

Some will become ‘‘ pond pioneer educators’’, digitally savvy teachers who are using innovative technology in the classroom.

They will pilot the use of pond by creating and sharing content.

N4L’s education sector lead Carolyn Stuart said the system was a way for teachers, principals and educators to find, create and share learning resources.

‘‘ As a principal, was eternally frustrated by the amount of time I spent trying to make sure the internet was fast enough for teachers and students, but actually I don’t want to do that – I want to be in classrooms supporting teaching and learning and not sitting on the help desk because something’s not happened as it should again,’’ she said.

‘‘ We’re trying to remove the pain in schools.’’

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