TUANZ has long advocated the benefits better broadband can achieve in the delivery of education in New Zealand, but an article in the latest Education Gazette gives a good overview from educators themselves on how improved connectivity can boost distance learning.
The article states that ultra-fast broadband would increase speed and capacity to schools’ internet connections and could increase the potential to personalise learning.
It quotes Trevor Storr, e-principal of the Aorakinet e-learning cluster in South Canterbury, saying that larger capacity would allow more students to take part in online courses at the same time.
“Long term, what that means is your teachers and your kids don’t have to be in the same place and you can cater for larger numbers of that happening, which means a personalised curriculum.”
The article also talks about the Virtual Learning Network, a decentralised network of online classes supported by the Ministry of Education, to which over 1500 school students are enrolled.
This network demonstrates the potential of how better broadband can boost education for all Kiwis, especially those in rural communities, who may not have access to the same teaching resources as their urban peers.
With improved connectivity, initiatives such as the Virtual Learning Network can become truly interactive learning environments, especially since, as Trevor Storr rightly states, fast broadband will enable all computers in classrooms to become video-conference units.
Where a child goes to school should not impact on the quality of education they receive and virtual learning, delivered by fast, and affordable broadband, will ensure distance is no barrier to receiving a world-class education.