You can contact LEARNZ, part of CORE Education, at:
Postal Address:
PO Box 13 678,
Christchurch 8141,
New Zealand
In the backchannel it was really interesting to have our questions answered during an audioconference when we weren't a speaking school. This was a Maths group involved in this trip, so it was ideal for providing authenticity to their Maths, alongside the natural integration with all other areas of the curriculum.
My year 7 and 8 students have really engaged with the trip material. Thank you for providing such an interesting resource. A lot of my students like to spend time in the bush and were keen to learn more about the application of technology in this area.
Being able to connect with real people is very meaningful for students. The drones, satellites, pests, and mapping areas became focus areas for the class and they have continued inquiring about these.
Yes the topic was good, interesting etc, linked to the human uses of the environment for 2.1 Geography and was generally interesting to students; drones are very in! So it is a great way to engage students, use technology and get students enthused about Geography.
Our focus was Social Sciences Geography and it certainly gave us some future focus discussion points. I also wanted to open their eyes to some possibilities re the use of technology and future careers.
The field trips meet the needs of lots of learners and enables multi level learning on the same topic. I like the ability to easily revise, and work can be looked at outside the classroom. Excellent links to key competencies, self management, use of 21st century learning environment.
My class enjoyed reading the information and watching the videos, especially the drones.
Our class is studying ecology in the lead up to our annual camp so the information was very fitting in all aspects.
Students are focussed and engaged. They have a purpose. "This is fun, I didn't know you can learn like this". During camp we studied the native birds and plants and compared them to the field trip. A great effort went into using our thinking skills to prepare for camp and doing the research.
Children inspired to walk tracks and parents wanting to join them. Great topics, different way of presenting things in class, able to get involved through audioconferences. Differentiated readings and audio/video options meant all class could access information, including Special Needs children.
We connected this field trip with an older one - Restoring the Kepler. By doing this, students began to look at ways that they can contribute in the wider community as well as our school community, working towards a common goal. Maori students in the class particularly liked the glossary - we also added more to our own one on the wall.
We thought it was brilliant! It tied nicely in with out Health, and Science topics. Kids loved the Ambassador and (the field trip) helped prepare for our own walks.
Definitely sparked some very valuable discussions on stewardship of our natural resources. Worked well in bringing the reality of the walk to students who are unfamiliar with these areas.
From the start of the trip, the students were actively engaged - making connections with their own lives and new information they were receiving - even our hunters were interested! Throughout this year we are looking at environmental issues and what we can do to help - as individuals and as a school. This field trip aligned with this nicely.
Students were really interested in the content which we used as part of our weekly reading programme and to support digital literacy. We also set it up for independent learning so students could gain self-management skills.
Very engaging. Tied perfectly with our current inquiry into Hauora.
It (LEARNZ) is the best online learning community I know of for NZ students. Working with real scientists on real issues and practical matters such as preparing for a tramp really fired the imaginations of my students. It has been fantastic for my ESOL learners, particularly the videos and it is great to be able to listen to the text as well.
Integrated reading and writing programme used to maximise the relevant, meaningful context offered by LEARNZ. Integrated PE fitness programme using our local environment. LEARNZ has provided spring board for further learning on local walkways, conservation issues, and planning our own expedition. Another great trip, catering for all learning styles.
Photos and videos were great! I have Year 1 and 2 children so I chose the activities etc that I though were most appropriate to support our virtual walk.
The children were enthralled by this trip. They all want to go and walk the Routeburn for real now! A great way to 'hook' the children in. So interactive and 'real'.
We are about to follow up the Virtual with our own 'Great Walk' in the Catlins. Great motivation an assistance with planning and risk management. This Field Trip was a superb avenue for exploring our devices, forming cooperative groups and accessing the curriculum. Even struggling readers found plenty of information and were able to follow with ease.
Ruud Kleinpaste's enthusiasm was very engaging for the students. The field supported: Principles - Learning to learn; Future focus (sustainability) Values - innovation, inquiry, and curiosity; ecological sustainability Key Competencies - Thinking; Managing self (encouraging students to think about how to prepare for a tramp); Participating and contributing (encouraging students to think about what they can do in their own area) Learning Areas - English (Listening, Reading, and Viewing); Science (Living World, Planet Earth and Beyond) Vision - Connected (seeing what the kids from Glenorchy are doing); Actively involved (encouraging students to think about what they can do); Lifelong learners (tramping is something they are likely to do throughout their lives).
I have a Yr 5 6 7 class and all were interested. LEARNZ helps with the range of learning abilities within my class. It also gives students from different backgrounds a variety of different experiences that they may never have the chance to do.
Audio conference was brilliant - by far the best component of the field trip (for us)! I used it (the field trip) from a health and physical education and science perspective.
Engagement levels were awesome during our field trip. A GREAT FIELD TRIP! Lots of discussion, questioning, making connections. We linked some of our camp planning to the field trip, especially in terms of preparing for our hike and looking at the species of plants and creatures in our camping environment. Allows another teacher (the LEARNZ Teacher) to be in the room! Lessons are easy to plan from the field trip.