We'll be at ULearn in the October term break. If you are there too, make sure you come along to one of our presentations or seek us out for a chat! Check out breakouts from our team:

Communities of Online Learning #CoOLs

Presenter: Rachel Whalley
Communities of Online Learning will soon be a part of the New Zealand educational landscape. Uncover the challenges and opportunities this may bring, discuss the notion of networked schools and the role of virtual and blended learning in supporting shared learning opportunities for students and teachers.

Research and Inquiry Symposium: Learning as communities

Collaboration Across New Zealand Rural Primary Schools: A Virtual Learning Perspective - Rachel Whalley
This research examines how collaborative practice between schools working in virtual learning environments can alleviate the challenges small rural schools face for both students and teachers. I will explore how collaborative online learning could enable innovative practice and new ways of thinking about the nature of schooling; while also exploring the challenges and potential pitfalls this may bring to schools.

Research and Inquiry Symposium: Learning communities across the country, across the globe

Connecting to Expert Teachers - Virtually - Melanie Matthews, Olivia Graham
The VLN Primary initiative aims to extend learning opportunities for our students by enabling online collaborations between schools. We would like to investigate how offering classes within the VLNP impacts on our students engagement and their learning outcomes. Our Year 6 students have been involved for 3 years. Thanks to the Grass Roots Initiative we have been able to research the impact. Come and hear our students', our teachers and our community's story about their journey. 

Connected Conversation 1: Student learners at the centre
Melanie Matthews - Wairakei Primary School
The Connected Conversations series brings ideas and people together as part of Connected Educator NZ, #CENZ17.
In these sessions, you will hear from three invited speakers, (face to face and virtual) each with a different take on what it means to be connected - with student learners at the centre.