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KAREN » NEN Evaluation Project Wellington CollegeWellington Centralhttp://www.wellington-college.school.nz Wellington College is a state secondary school for boys with a proud tradition dating back to 1867, located near the heart of Wellington City. The Wellington College mission is to inspire students to develop their talents, to reach well beyond the ordinary, and to acquire a life-long passion for learning. |
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What did they do?
Wellington College teachers utilised video conferencing to meet with the National Library advisers to discuss and view resources available to teachers and students relating to a particular unit on Life in the 19th Century. Focus of the online discussion included boys' reading habits and potential selections and resources. This service is usually provided in a face-to-face context for schools.
Learning for students and teachers
As part of the National Education Network trial participating schools such as Wellington College are developing their video conferencing infrastructure and discussing the impact on pedagogical teaching and learning through this medium.
The National Library is one of the country's richest sources of digital content and services, teachers were astounded at the high quality of digital resources now available to them and their students. History teachers were able to discuss and review the resources with an adviser in real time, remotely with the use of the high-speed network and video conferencing technologies.
KARENS contribution
Both the National Library and Wellington College are KAREN members. Therefore not only can they utilise the KAREN VC bridge but the National Library resources which are available 'on-net' i.e. reachable directly over KAREN at super speeds and without the usage and bandwidth limitations (and sometimes cost) of 'off-net' destinations.
Having participated in the National library video conference via the KAREN bridge Wellington College are aware of the services, collections, and online catalogues appropriate for their students and subject areas.
Explore the content and services available on KAREN nationally and 'on-net' via peering relationships with national organisations and the rest of the world's research and education networks.
We have had high speed internet access for twelve months and use google applications for all of our word processing and presentations and xcel and it has been no drama. We use google applications for portfolios too - kids drop in swimming videos, art work, student management summaries, eAsstle pdf results and a lot of other stuff.
Future Focus
Wellington College will continue to explore and develop networks with experts, resources and other schools available via videoconference.
Feedback from teachers has been very positive, being able to link with experts from different organisations will be beneficial for teaching programmes and student learning, Mike Pallin. Assistant Principal and International Student Manager
Wellington College website:
http://www.wellington-college.school.nz
National Library Services to Schools:
http://www.natlib.govt.nz/schools