Communication technologies
What are communication technologies?
Communication technologies enable students to connect with experts, collaborate with their peers, share their learning, ask questions, and receive feedback.
With ultra-fast broadband and easy access to mobile devices, communication technologies such as video conferencing, Skype, and Google Hangouts are increasingly able to facilitate relevant and authentic learning opportunities for students.
Lalaosalafai Tu’ua describes his experience of using video conferencing to teach Samoan at NCEA Level 3 at Southern Cross Campus in Mangere.
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Using technologies to connect with the community
Principal Jane Danielson explains the different applications they are using to connect with their community.
Engaging your school community using technologies
Rob Clarke, principal of Burnham School, explains the importance of face-to-face meetings in terms of successful whānau and community engagement with e-learning tools.
Using Ustream to share assemblies
James Rea, DP at Russell Street School, shares how they are using Ustream to live stream their school assemblies.
Using blogs to communicate with the school community
James Rea, DP at Russell Street School, shares how students are using their library blog to post book reviews and character profiles.
Using video conferencing to expand learning options
Southern Cross Campus student Shona Unasa takes economics via video conference.
Teaching Samoan via video conference
Lalaosalafai Tu’ua describes his experience of using video conferencing to teach Samoan at NCEA Level 3 at Southern Cross Campus in Mangere.
Sharing book reviews with QR codes
Hillcrest Normal School librarian, Kim Bizo demonstrates and describes the process for making QR codes of book reviews with gifted and talented students.
Engaging parents in learning through technology
Hillcrest Normal School teacher, Michelle Macintyre shares how technology has enabled parents to be involved in different ways with students' learning.
Using mobile devices to improve communication
Parents from Holy Cross School explain how they are able to connect easily with the school, using mobile devices and different forms of digital media.
Bringing the classroom to the community
Staff at Mahurangi Christian School discuss how the school connects the classroom to the community through digital technologies.
Inclusion
Waerenga o Kuri student, Herepo Wynyard talks about how the involvement of her whānau both online (through her e-portfolio), and face-to-face at school has encouraged success with her learning goals.
Building connections with parents and whānau
Wairakei School principal Shane Buckner explains the benefits of using digital technologies to build connections with parents and whānau.
Students communicating beyond the classroom using digital technologies
Teacher, Mike Crawford and his students from Woodend School describe why they are using Twitter to raise public awareness of local environmental issues.
Connecting with the community through social media
Rosin Lamb, Communications Manager at Pakuranga College, explains how they use social media to connect with the community.
Sharing student learning
Staff and students from Apiti School discuss the benefits of using e-portfolios to share student learning with parents and the community.
Connecting learning and the community
Teacher, Nicki Fielder and students from Apiti School explain the different social media tools they use to connect with parents and the wider community.
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Web links
VLN Community
The Virtual Learning Network Community (VLNC) is a network of school clusters and educational institutions who collaborate to provide access to a broad range of curriculum and learning opportunities for students through online learning.
The video and audio conferencing bridge can be accessed by any New Zealand school.
Learning through video conferencing
Lynda Walsh-Pascoe has been teaching PE by video conferencing since 2002. She explains how the virtual learning network's (VLN) video conferencing connections provide valuable learning experiences for students in rural areas. Lynda gives examples of how video conferencing is used, including the use of video footage to assist in assessment.
Research and resources
Video conferencing in distance learning: A New Zealand schools' perspective
This article traces the development of video conferencing in distance learning in the New Zealand secondary school sector. It begins with an overview of the definition and development of distance learning, then traces the technology of video conferencing from its inception to the present day. It goes on to look at the growth of video conferencing, the role and contribution it has made to distance learning in New Zealand schools, then concludes with a brief discussion of possible future directions.
Video conferencing: Extending the learning opportunities for our students
This article explains what video conferencing is and outlines the four Ps of effective video conferencing in schools:
- programmes – providing more access to subject choices across the curriculum
- projects – extending the reach of the classroom by enabling students to engage in virtual field trips, access experts, and collaborate
- professional learning
- participation.
Online discussions
Join the Virtual Learning Network (VLN) and participate in these discussions.
Web conferencing in education
– find out more about video conferencing and make connections with other colleagues.
VLN Primary group
– find out more about online classes, online collaborative between schools, tools, and access to PD and support.
Featured snapshot of learning
Facilitating shared learning using Skype
Find out how student learning was facilitated between neighbouring schools using Skype.
e-Learning community discussions
Join these groups to participate in discussions with other teachers/educators about the content here, or that is relevant for you.
Enabling e-Learning
e-Learning: Leadership
e-Learning: Teaching
e-Learning: Technologies
e-Learning: Professional Learning
e-Learning: Beyond the classroom
Using the e-Learning Planning Frameworks
Connected Learning Advisory
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