As New Zealand moves into the second week of lockdown, one of the biggest problems both educators and parents are finding with remote learning is how to keep kids engaged while they are being educated at home. 

Wellington-based company, Gamefroot, has developed a Remote Learning website that allows students to continue their studies from home, through a New Zealand curriculum aligned series of games based learning activities. 

“Kiwi kids love to make games and learn how game making works. The remote learning package of resources on the website are keeping kids engaged, while they also learn about STEAM subjects aligned to the NZ curriculum,”  said Gamefroot CEO Dan Milward. 

One of the key website resources is a COVID-19 simulator. A tool for students to code their own virus simulator, so that they can understand why staying at home is so important to help slow down the spread of the virus in both Aotearoa and overseas. 

Range of resources

Amongst the range of beginner and more advanced resources on Remote Learning is Aotearoa 1840 – an interactive and immersive timeline builder which asks students to craft a digital experience to tell the history of New Zealand from multiple points of view, underpinned by Te Tiriti o Waitangi.

“With the support of Gamefroot, our akonga walked away with a smile knowing they had recreated their local histories via a gaming lens led by code,” said Kiriliana Whakaangi, Co-founder Huiterangiora Digitech, Tokomaru Bay.

Tim Harford, Head of Digital Technology at Wellington College has been working with Gamefroot and is using the advanced Remote Learning resources to help support the College’s younger students since the lockdown was announced.

“Students really like the Gamefroot resources on the Remote Learning website,” he said. “Our students are engaged and like using them because they are fun to use. It’s a bonus that they align with the new digital technologies learning areas in the curriculum too, ” says Mr Harford.

Check out the Remote Learning website at remotelearning.co.nz

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Share your stories

How are you managing so far? If you have any stories and experiences you’d like to share about your current situation (or anything else you’re doing with your teaching), we’d love to hear from you. Contact Editor Greg Adams at  greg.adams@interfacemagazine.co.nz