VLN | Virtual School Meanderings

April 25, 2024

Upcoming PLD: Managing Valid Assessment in an AI World

An item for my Kiwi readers about some upcoming professional learning specifically for teachers interested in online and blended learning.

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April 14, 2024

Nex Kōtuitui Pānui April 2024

Filed under: virtual school — Michael K. Barbour @ 12:33 pm
Tags: cyber school, e-learning, education, high school, New Zealand, NEX, Virtual Learning Network, virtual school, VLN

The first of two items for my Kiwi readers. This one more about some upcoming professional learning specifically for teachers interested in online and blended learning.

Tūhononga o ngā tangata mōhio ipurangi

Building capability in online learning and teaching through Networks of Expertise.

A big thank you to all this term.

There’s a lot happening in the primary and secondary sectors this year.

However, we are continuing as ever with our PLD and keeping an ear out in the networks for further opportunities to support our kaiako and ākonga. Stay tuned!

We held two Professional Development sessions this term.

We spread these across two days to give options for attendance; this worked well for kaiako to have the choice of days. We anticipate keeping this format in term two.

A huge thank you to Jen Hammonds and Lucie Lindsay for sessions on Tips and Tricks (and new features) in Google.

In this pānui we would like to share our NEX Kōtuitui team for 2024.

Haere mai Tewaiehu Savage and Sue McCarthny. We haere rā Sara Field.

Check out the new line-up in the Lead Team. The Lead Team plans and delivers PLD that is either requested by or essential to benefit our online learners. In the article please note our contact details for any questions.

Coming up: After the term break we explore how to manage assessment in an AI world. This will be a discussion-based korero on our ability to make professional judgments, knowing that AI is widespread.

Michael Barbour has long been a member, supporter and mentor in our network. See what Michael has been up to while in New Zealand, gathering data about Distance and Virtual Learning.

Finally, do you remember hiding the veges in the main meal, so your kids woudn’t notice? This analogy is explored in a think-piece about how do we best embed literacy and numeracy inside our own teaching area of expertise.

Thank you for your mahi this term.

Happy holidays

Stay safe whānau

The Nex Kōtuitui Team

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April 11, 2024

Notice of AGM 23 May

Filed under: virtual school — Michael K. Barbour @ 8:04 pm
Tags: cyber school, e-learning, education, high school, New Zealand, Virtual Learning Network, Virtual Learning Network Aotearoa, virtual school, VLN

An item for my Kiwi readers.

Note that I am a member of the Governance Group for this e-learning cluster.

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March 28, 2024

Kōtui Ako | Virtual Learning Network Aotearoa Pānui March 2024

Filed under: virtual school — Michael K. Barbour @ 9:08 pm
Tags: cyber school, e-learning, education, high school, New Zealand, Virtual Learning Network, Virtual Learning Network Aotearoa, virtual school, VLN

An item for my Kiwi readers.

Nau mai, haere mai ki te Kōtui Ako | Virtual Learning Network Aotearoa

Kia ora koutou katoa, Kia orāna, Talofa lava, Malo e lelei, Nĭ hăo 你好, Annyoung haseyo 안녕하세요, Namaste, Assalām alaikum, Hola, Bonjour, Hallo!

It’s great to see our students’ learning come to life as it did for Valerie from South Westland Area School. Her artistic talents were recognised in postage stamps that she (and we) received earlier this year. Too good to use, they will be framed for our wall of fame!

We are promoting several learning opportunities this month (suitable for both Primary and Secondary learners):

We have spaces available in our Gifted programmes due to start next term. These are suitable for learners up to Year 10.

Our partnership with the Korean Education Centre enables us to bring you Korean classes at no cost. This is a great opportunity to get involved in online learning at your school AND learn about the popular Korean language and culture.

We have a great NZSL resource in our talented eTeacher Janine. We would like to hear from you about how Janine can work with you across our schools network with NZSL language support and support for learners. Find out more about NZSL opportunities and give us your feedback.

Canadian researcher Dr Michael Barbour begins his study tour in Aotearoa. Michael has a long relationship with educational practitioners and research experience with virtual and distance learning in New Zealand and internationally. Kōtui Ako VLN has operated for nearly 30 years in a policy and resourcing vacuum. Michael’s work will be important to inform the sector and advocate for sustainable support for online learning opportunities.

I was privileged to join Taranaki Kāhui Ako PLD day recently. If you would like us to share the Kōtui Ako VLN kaupapa with your Kāhui Ako, LSC / RTLB, school or principals’ network, please invite us to participate in your upcoming hui.

Finally we share the first notice of our upcoming AGM. We expect all member schools to attend, so please Save the Date!

Its been a busy term in schools as it has for us here too. I know you are all looking forward to a well deserved break over Easter.

Ngā mihinui o te Aranga

Rachel, Amanda and the Kōtui Ako VLN team