Tūhononga o ngā tangata mōhio ipurangi 

Building capability in online learning and teaching through Networks of Expertise

Nau mai haere mai to our first newsletter for our new teachers network NEX. Keep up to date with what is happening in online teaching and learning in New Zealand, share and access resources and ideas with your teaching colleagues, and find out about PLD opportunities and events. In this issue we: 

• Invite keen and experienced teachers to put themselves forward to the NEX lead teacher team; 
  
• offer funding for teachers undertaking research or inquiry projects; 
  
• hear from one student about their experience as an online learner; 
  
• and explore the current education setting in relation to teacher supply and networks of learning.
  

Online teachers and support teachers are making a difference for thousands of learners across New Zealand schools and homes. Our work is often invisible in virtual spaces and stands apart from other classroom teachers. We create learning experiences that extend our curious learners, ignite passions, bring together isolated students and make learning accessible to our children where ever they are. Our work is innovative, exciting and often challenging, but above all it is rewarding! A network for teachers involved in online learning is long overdue. Our aim is to create a learning community that extends beyond our own organisations, where teachers are supported to lead; strengths, expertise, and practice is shared; and teachers not only connect but collaborate with others who have similar interests and needs that is specific to being an online teacher and the diverse needs of our online learners.

We invite you to register your membership to NEX (if you haven't already). If you have already expressed your interest as a member of NEX, our online community site is now ready for you to join. We look forward to seeing you in there.

Nga mihi maioha

Rachel & Darren