You can contact LEARNZ, part of CORE Education, at:
Postal Address:
PO Box 13 678,
Christchurch 8141,
New Zealand
Testimonials
Waterview Connection
It is structured really well and it gives the children and authentic context within which they can learn. It was appropriate for my class because we are living within a citywide rebuild (Christchurch) so the planning and implementation of infrastructure is completely relevant. It motivated many of them to log on at home to support their learning.
Jan Thompson from Banks Avenue School
It was appropriate to our Sharing the Planet inquiry, enabling children to have a structure in their learning and learn more than what they would if independent.
Helen Prescott from Glenfield Intermediate
This is amazing! It has created some excellent discussion amongst our class. My class would have loved to see Alice in action live but your virtual accounts are a brilliant substitute!
Maria Semmons from Glen Eden School
The field trip about the Waterview Connection was particularly interesting for some of my boys with an engineering bent, and they asked some good questions. The time-lapse video and pictures were particularly engaging for the class and they really enjoyed the detailed information available on the website about Alice the TBM.
Michele Duggan from Whangaparaoa College
We thought the field trip was friendly, effective and interesting. Waterview project is local to our school and the Year 8 girls were interested in the development.
Sanet Bircham from Marist College
Excellent for future focus, development, problem solving, and technology.
Dorothy Hutton from Columba College
Students learned more about a huge project that is occurring in their local area and have an interest and awareness that can be built on as the project continues, either in school or with their families. Our Year 4-6 children have shown huge interest in accessing the video content and audioconferences in free time, and have actively asked for extra time to do this with their Netbooks.
Jacqueline McGivern from St Therese School (Three Kings)
The field trip was excellent for both genders. Great for students to learn about how their voice and contribution can help shape the future.
Kevin Jones from Te Rapa School
On so many levels, this field trip has enhanced, extended and promoted learning for our students. Fantastic opportunity for students living next door to gain deeper understandings into what is required to achieve this massive project. Multi Language support is awesome. Pictures and videos are particularly important for special needs and also ESOL learners.
Richard Kerr from Avondale Intermediate
He Hokinga Whakaaro
Good to get affirmation that other schools in NZ are learning about the First Encounters. Lots of opportunity for role play and integrated learning. The audio recording was most valuable as an addition for those who find difficulty in reading.
Pauline Maclean from St Theresa's School (Plimmerton)
We used some of the background pages to support learning about the arrival of Europeans as part of a Treaty of Waitangi unit. We also used the Marae Protocols material and quiz as part of our preparation for a Marae visit. I found the targeted use of specific web pages (on the site) useful for a mixed range of levels.
Jacqueline McGivern from St Therese School (Three Kings)
Engaging and interesting for the children - they enjoyed the videos and especially the interactive activities. I loved how the children were really motivated to read and use keywords from the background pages so they could get 100% on the activities! There were also some wonderful gems from the audio conferences which we discussed and learnt from as a class.
Vanessa Cannon from Matua School
Most appropriate for my Year 7&8 class. Incredibly effective in terms of meeting the desired Learning Outcomes. The most engaging learning experience the children could have.
Graham Elsmore from Christian Renewal School
This particular topic had all my students absolutely hooked - the 95% Maori students in my class felt it was about them and supported their culture and their own learning. I love the Inquiry focus, the research skills LEARNZ offers, the range of learning styles - with background information, diaries, audio conferences, images. All students are catered for.
Diane Henderson from Ohaeawai School
High level of student engagement, interesting topics that are relevant to students' lives. Videos are always pitched at a good level, interesting - many of my students access them at home too.
Caroline Arnold from Lepperton School
Terrific for the immersion phase of Inquiry. Children very motivated to go off and research independently. Just a stunning resource which enhances the quality of teaching and learning in my room tremendously!
Fiona Matthews from Matua School
Great visual learning, auditory learning, and inquiry learning. I like the way Māori words are put into every context of the trip.
Diana Donovan from Pamapuria School
Very well rounded experiences. Used partly to prepare for a visit to our local Marae and learning about Matariki. Visual experiences great for class.
Kathleen Roach from St Albans Catholic School
We have been researching about Captain Cook and we are also preparing for a Marae visit so components of the field trip have been particularly relevant. The easy background pages and the associated activities were just right for my Year 4 class. It is always interesting to learn from Shelley and Andrew while they are on location. The students develop a connection with them, particularly if they participate in an audio conference.
Fiona Mackley from Alexandra School
Highly engaging and extremely usable! Students gained in constructing questions to put to experts. Interpreting and making meaning of a variety of language and symbols, managing self, relating to others and also developed a wealth of knowledge about the topic.
Karen Edwards from Brightwater School
It backed up our camp from last year when we looked at the Waitemata Harbour and we are looking forward to the upcoming LEARNZ field trip to Lake Taupo, continuing our water inquiry. On this field trip, students compared the two harbours which reinforced their learning.
Pamela Furze from Roto-O-Rangi School
Argo Floats
It was fantastic. Highly engaging for our children and added another dimension to their learning. As well as gaining an understanding of Argo Floats, students also gained an insight into scientific research and careers as a scientist.
Julie Wilkinson from Vauxhall School
The videos and photo gallery were very popular. The children had access to tablets, which were well used as the children investigated the information supplied independently. The children enjoyed the field trip and have a much better understanding of the Argo Floats than if they had used in-class resources only.
Carolyn Thelning from Weston School
None of the students had done a trip before but now they are hooked. Some children chose to read texts again for homework. They were very interested in all the readings about the Argo floats; the students have a very positive view of what scientists are doing and learning about our oceans.
Sue Hodge from Elm Park School
They learnt a lot and I hear them telling others all about it. Loved the connection to the sea and the environment.
Debra Lydon from Waikari School