Overview of ICT programmes for schools

A short introduction to the programmes and projects initiated or supported under the ICT strategy for schools.

Evidence-based Practice

Research and evaluation

Evidence-based practice / Knowing what works

A culture of reflective practices encourages continual research and evaluation of current projects to improve programmes to meet the needs of the stakeholders. Research and evaluation can help to identifying the benefits, supporting students to achieve to their full potential.

The e-Learning team is currently employing methodologies and tools to evaluate the investment in e-Learning so that we know what works.

Current research includes:

ICT PD Cluster programme baseline surveys
Final impact of network infrastructure upgrade
Impact and effectiveness of the Laptops for Teachers (TELA)
A range of Digital Opportunities projects (2007).

Research will be available when completed on the Education Counts website.

Managed Online Learning Environments (M-OLE)

Evidence Based Practice

This area of Te Kete Ipurangi (TKI) has been developed by the Ministry of Education to inform and support teachers and educators in their decision making when they are moving towards establishing a managed online learning environment (M-OLE). to support the learning and teaching process in their school. It includes information on emerging and online technologies including social software, tools, resources and software applications.

The place and purpose of M-OLEs in school activities is still evolving, however the benefits from adoption by schools of some form of an online environment are wide ranging and provide affordances for learners, teachers and administrators. The ministry is working with schools and vendors to provide support and information to enable schools to be better informed when making decisions in this area.

Digital Opportunities (DigiOps)

Evidence-based Practice / Knowing what works

The Digital Opportunities (DigiOps) projects are joint partnerships between schools, organisations involved in ICT and the Ministry of Education. Garry Falloon from the University of Waikato is a specialist in ICT in education and is leading the DigiOps project. The aim is to improve learning through the use of leading edge technologies.

However, it is not just technology for technology's sake. All of the projects profiled on the site have been funded and supported on the basis that they will contribute to a student's learning in a positive way and be based around core curriculum subjects.

Currently there are 11 projects on the go, all trying to push the edges in terms of how ICT can be used in interesting, innovative and tangible ways.

Details of the project are to be found at the Digiops website.