The sun is shining in the good ole Bay of Islands!

In early November 2014 I once again had the privilege of watching a large group of Bay of Islands College parents complete our Computers in Homes programme.   Their continued level of attendance and commitment to the programme blew me away; so determined were they to learn new skills and provide a digital resource for their whanau.

I often think our school-aged generation can't quite fathom 'what's so hard about using a computer?'  Digital technology is such an integral part of their learning that they aren't fully aware of their inherent skills.  It's not until they see their parents learning how to use a computer, and learning skills these kids take for granted, that the penny drops! 

There is still such a huge community of people that need the Computers in Homes programme in Northland, and I dearly hope our New Zealand Government continues to pave the way for this invaluable programme in our country.

One million thank-yous' to everyone involved in the Bay of Islands College CIH programme this year - trainers Briony and Paul Johnston and Ariana Waiomio, technician JP Vandenameele and the Principal and staff of this fantastic school!

A free photo slideshow by Smilebox

Otangarei ICT Hub walk the Stepping UP path!

The newly formed Otangarei ICT hub at the Otangarei Marae is in full swing training families in the Stepping UP programme.

Formed in May 2014, the ICT hub hopes to bring training opportunities to all members of their community.  Two really dedicated women, Wahine Paewhenua and Lisa Godsall-Thomas, are at the hub every day helping their people to learn and use the computers that the 2020 Communications Trust so generously installed. 

Feedback so far has been incredible, people have commented on having less graffiti in the neighbourhood as taggers are at the hub using the computers!  And kids are coming in with their guitars and using the headphones to listen and learn how to play using YouTube.

Here are a couple of pictures from this mornings Stepping UP class:

Dedicated and committed parents of Kawakawa start training in 2014

Last Wednesday night, 20 August 2014, I drove through the pouring down rain and flooded mid-North region to attend the first CIH lesson of the year at Bay of Islands College. 

As per usual the turn out of participants was outstanding.  I truly believe this community understands the importance of digital knowledge, and I always leave the College feeling that 2020 Communications Trust is making a real difference.

Our trainer for four years now, Briony Johnston, is taking the bull by the horns and training around 22 families.  Briony is the Head of the ICT department at BOIC and her dedication to her families always blows me away.  Thank you Briony for always putting your hand up to take the CIH class, we all truly appreciate you!

Here's a couple of pictures of night 1:

 

I hope your enjoy your learning experience and I look forward to seeing you all again on night 8.

Te Kura o Otangarei graduate 16 families in Term 2 2014!

Tumuaki Myles Ferris of Te Kura o Otangarei approached Computers in Homes earlier this year to register interest in our programme.  Due to his foresight, 16 of his kura's families now have 20 hours of computer training under their belt and a beautiful computer in their home!

It has been five years since Otangarei has been involved in CiH.  During this time, digital education needs have increased tenfold and Myles is keenly aware of this.  A number of meetings and communications later and the CiH programme was up and running.  Trainer Hone Tate took the classes and the families involved raved about his training style.  This could have something to do with the fact that he's a third year trainee teacher, but also because he's such a likeable man who puts his community needs first.  Thank you Hone for your time and dedication to your school community, your kura is very lucky indeed to have you.

Many thanks must also go to the Board of Trustees  who worked hard to ensure their families participated, and to Bronwyn Panoho in the kura's administration office.  The team at Te Kura o Otangarei did their community proud and you were a pleasure to deal with throughout the period our programme ran.

Here are some pictures of our graduation day 13 June 2014.  On that day six of the 16 families were actually connected and online by the afternoon.  A HUGE thanks must go to Paul Batchelder's team at UIT for making that happen.  Sometimes having an amazing technician network can go a long way in helping our CiH families, no to mention taking the workload and stress away from the Regional Coordinator!

A free digital slideshow by Smilebox

Whangarei CIH Schools in the running for 10 x Chromebooks!!

The 2020 Communications Trust oversee a number of amazing ICT programmes in New Zealand.  The flagship being the Computers in Homes programme, but also closely followed by Stepping UP and KiwiSkills ICDL. 

This month I have been involved in organising a trade stand at the Whangarei ICT Hub at Forum North (30 April to 8 May).  It's here that our past and present Computers in Homes school will have the opportunity to win 10 x Chromebooks.  Participants of our skill challenges throughout the hub will attribute their point earned in each challenge to a CiH school.  The kura with the most points will win the Chromebooks!  An exciting opportunity indeed!

I've spent a lot of time communicating with the schools on how they get more involved.  Participants also have the chance to win one of six Samsung Galaxy TAB3 7" tablets and the person with the highest overall aggregate score will be announced as the Whangarei Digital Champion 2014 and win a Samsung Galaxy 10.1" 2014 Edition Tablet with cover.

I am proud to be a part of this fantastic ICT initiative in my home city, and anybody who would like to be involved in any/all of the six daily challenges can register at www.steppingup.org.nz