Digital Learning

Hillcrest High School students are recommended to bring a digital device to school to support and enhance their learning. Digital devices will not replace conventional teaching and learning methods but instead complement them by creating new learning opportunities.

Why is this important?

Students need to develop the digital literacy and fluency skills that are becoming increasingly important and sought after by industry. The us of the internet and digital tools for education and commerce is increasing at an exponential rate and Hillcrest High School is recognising the importance of engaging and encouraging students to develop and master the skills they will need to succeed in a world that is seeking school leavers who are confident, collaborative, creative and connected. NZQA (New Zealand Qualifications Authority) is currently on a journey of transformation to digital assessment and is planning to have all NCEA external exams (appropriate for an online format) to be online in the next few years.

What are the device requirements?

The device needs to be suitable for word processing and editing documents, manipulating photos, collaborating online and using internet resources and tools. Devices suitable for this purpose are: Chromebook, Laptop, Ultrabook or MacBook. Smart phones, iPads or other tablet devices are NOT suitable for our learning programmes. Devices need to be highly portable and have a long battery life. Students will need to carry their device from class to class every hour and will not be able to rely on having time or a place to recharge their battery during the day. Device must also be wireless and internet capable, have a good warranty and be robust.

If your son / daughter is likely to take Digital Technologies Programming or Media into the senior school, you may wish to consider a higher specification device e.g. a laptop.

What do we recommend?

The device we are highly recommending is the Chromebook. The advantages of Chromebooks are:

• Learning is not app-driven

• Value for money - no unnecessary software costs

• Consistency of user experience

• USB Ports

• Keyboard

• Ergonomic

• Hybrid Storage - cloud/offline

• Easy to replace/repair

• Fast start-up, long battery life

Where to buy?

Chromebooks are available to buy at all major electronic outlets e.g. PB Technologies, Noel Leeming, JB Hi Fi, Heathcote Appliances, Harvey Norman, etc.