What would you do if you won $10,000 worth of technology for your school? That’s the challenge for Pakuranga College after its ‘outcome based e-learning initiatives’ won the first annual ‘Tonne of Technology’ competition sponsored by New Era and Acer.
Earlier in the year, New Era and Acer teamed up to give schools the chance to win $10,000 worth of technology and support. To enter the competition, schools had to answer this question: “Tell us your story in 500 words or less of how technology is supporting teaching and learning for you, your classroom, your department or your school.”
The New Era/Acer ‘Tonne of Technology’ competition ran from April to July. More than 100 submissions from 70 schools across the country were received. Judging was carried out by New Era management and submissions were evaluated on how well the school had assimilated technology into the classroom and how the students were benefitting.
‘Outcome-based’ e-learning
“We were thrilled to name Pakuranga College in Auckland as the winner of the first annual ‘Tonne of Technology’, competition to highlight the very best of Kiwi e-learning,” said Anthony Church, Managing Director of New Era. “The winning submission illustrated how the appropriate use of technology benefits all students with ‘outcome-based’ e-learning. The College embeds technology into all facets of student life to enhance teaching and learning programmes and help students become responsible digital citizens. Indeed, Pakuranga College’s focus has been to make technology ‘invisible’ in the school, so that students can take advantage of the enhanced benefits of e-learning as an integral component of their normal day-to-day activities.”
Producers rather than consumers
Pakuranga College applies technology in two key areas, explained Allistair Williamson, eLearning Co-ordinator at Pakuranga College.
“The first is asynchronous learning where students can access and complete work at any time and at their own pace. This gives students the flexibility to thrive in a non-traditional environment. And secondly, we encourage students to be producers of information rather than consumers. They play a role in the global online community and we look forward to utilising the generous package offered by Acer and New Era to further these goals.”
Outstanding submissions
Selecting a winner was not an easy task for the competition’s judges.
“A huge thank you to everyone who entered. The effort put into every submission was outstanding and made it extremely hard for us to name just one winner,” added Church.
“Outstanding submissions from Aorere College, Mangawhai Beach School, Opaheke School, Baradene College, and Rawene Primary, amongst others, provided tough competition for Pakuranga College. We were especially encouraged by the fact that geography, primary or secondary or the size of the school made no difference to the quality of e-learning initiatives that had been applied. The key point is that it is the people who make the difference. The passion for teaching, the love of knowledge and the ability to transfer that enthusiasm into optimal student outcomes provides a solid foundation for success, regardless of the technology involved.”
For more information on New Era contact Tony Gilbert, Education and Client Services Manager, at TonyG@newerait.co.nz or call 0800 438 428
New Era provides network and ICT support and services, strategic planning and professional development to more than 900 schools across New Zealand. Its solutions enhance and integrate the delivery of ICT into the curriculum, giving students and teachers the knowledge and skills they need to be active players in the 21st Century.
Acer designs and produces notebook and desktop PCs, servers and storage, LCD monitors, projectors, and smartphones, Chromebooks and tablets. Sub-brands include the Aspire series.
Categories: Article
