Parents invest heavily in their children’s education, both financially and emotionally; so does the Government.
The way that our children learn is changing, which is why we are focusing on ensuring that they have the values, skills and knowledge needed to be successful in the 21st Century economy and society.
I took over as Chairman of the Education & Science Select Committee from Nikki Kaye at the start of this year. As Associate Education Minister, she is committed to our Government’s priority to raise achievement for all children and provide an appropriate learning environment for the modern world.
Internet funding
A funded Internet service that provides quality, fast connections and uncapped data is critical to our children, enabling them to realise their full potential.
Schools will be funded to the tune of $211 million for a Network for Learning (N4L) package. This will provide access to a portal, where students and teachers connect and share information, providing our schools with an information-rich resource to enhance the learning experience. This will help us ensure that every child has access to an effective, efficient and modern learning environment.
Our goal is to provide teachers and students with a seamless online experience that suits their individual skill, learning style, strengths, interests and needs, simultaneously recognising identity, language and culture.
The rollout of the Network will begin at the end of the year, with the completion phase for all schools to be connected to the Network set for 2016.
The Network will give teachers another tool to use in their teaching strategy, as technology, including video-conferencing, will allow classes at opposite ends of the country to connect and share their ideas.
Infrastructure success
Providing our schools with access to modern infrastructure is an important step in achieving two of our priorities this term, namely, to build a more competitive and productive economy, and to deliver better public services.
We want to ensure that all students can benefit from the opportunities that digital technologies can help them to achieve.
Giving our children quality education and the best possible start in life is important to every parent. We want to see our young people succeed, utilising the opportunities provided through the educational system.
The rollout of the N4L Digital Network to all schools will help to enhance the learning experience, provide greater access to learning opportunities for all children, and improve their chances of unlocking their inherent ability and potential.
Dr Cam Calder is Member of Parliament (Manurewa) on National List. The above article is exclusive to Indian Newslink.
