You can contact LEARNZ, part of CORE Education, at:
Postal Address:
PO Box 13 678,
Christchurch 8141,
New Zealand
Having our ambassador go along created real buy in for the children.
Very appropriate - local area made it more relevant and has led into our term 2 project. Students were able to look at local and global issues. They used research skills and inquiry processes - specifically relevant as they are well set out for students to follow.
The virtual field trip caters for all types of learning. Students enjoy doing the worksheets and researching them. Information pages are appropriate to their level. Videos are engaging and the questions help direct the students to focus in on the learning.
I love the integrated approach and potential. It is very useful to a small group of diverse ages (Y9-13) and backgrounds because I can always find 'an entry point' for everyone. My students are hospitalised ... the field trips are like a window on the outside world for them.
Fitted well with our topic "Our Planet is in Danger". Good quality, interesting material, flexibility in how much to use and when. Freedom to adapt and do it our way and use as little or as much as we need.
Learners loved the bilingual words!
As we were going to a local wetland for our own field trip it was really beneficial for the students to see another one first hand and then were able to make comparisons. The level pitched was right and the students were motivated throughout. Coverage is excellent, it is in kidspeak. Great to have the Maori perspective, vocabulary etc - we ALL used it.
We will use LEARNZ again because it is a wonderful and free resource.
Found the information about local iwi on the field trip relevant and the relationship with what they are doing to protect the area. Age level appropriate and high interest.
Andrew's videos were awesome. His interview questions and video shots provided a solid insight into the area and associated issues.
Specific information on tools used in the field of earthquake science. Excellent visual resources are a vivid method of relating facts and information, particularly for special needs learners
I'll use LEARNZ again because there is so much information for my Year 10 Social Studies class. There is the personal touch of having Shelley and the people she engages with and the kids knowing they are part of something national. I also like that they become familiar with different ways to access learning.
This work compliments our unit on Earthquakes which works towards Geo 1.1. The Activities were interesting, set at the right level and engaged my students.
It was great for all children in my class, and I have Māori, Pasifika and special needs learners. Tied in excellently to our inquiry with a science focus and gave my children another avenue to explore, if they chose to, and exposure to a real world context.
Most students were able to understand the technical terms in the resources, particularly the better readers. Excellent for career guidance. In-depth field trip helps reduce the isolation of our rural school.
Authentic contexts, great research tool at appropriate level, and good for 'finding out' stage of inquiry. Students gained mapping skills, understanding 'behind the scenes' of mapping, why accurate maps are important, and how places are named.
My Year 9 class liked the fact that the experts' answers were not too technical. The field trip was a different delivery format that the students enjoyed.
The field trip inspired students to find out more about geographical names close to us. Engages students, ignites passion and interests the students didn't know they had; develops awareness of things that students wouldn't generally have access to. They love being a part of the audio-conferences.
Really enjoyed using the back channel, great that we could ask further questions as we went along in the audio conference. Excellent opportunity for real life communication with people actually working in the field.
Students from my digital class were very interested in how technology was used, particularly in planning buildings.
Learning outcomes for the students are excellent. Curriculum based, level appropriate, supports e-learning. Students are focused and very motivated, with opportunities to follow own line of inquiry. Special needs learners are easily catered for within the levels provided - programme is flexible and can be easily adjusted.
This was a great field trip. Students have been really inspired to find out more and are interested in what the scientists are trying to find out.
Unbelievable effect on their interest in whales. They are now using scientific terminology to identify body parts and any books on whales is perused with great interest. The visuals covered gaps in their reading and listening skills. Every expert who contributed had an impact on the children.
It would be one of the richest learning experiences I have experienced with a class.
Fantastic resource for all teachers, students and parents who participate.