On Line Learning

Kia ora whānau,

Next Wednesday 15th April, school recommences and there is an expectation that all students will be actively engaged in an online learning programme.

We are concerned that some students may not have access to online learning and thank the families who have got back to us with their device or Internet needs. We are awaiting the Ministry's final direction on providing devices to the whānau we have received details for. For Internet connection needs we have provided the details for the whānau that contacted us that they had no connection, the Ministry may get in touch with the school or with you directly, at this point we are not sure.  

Teachers are working hard to develop accessible and engaging programmes of learning on their class or subject sites.

These can be accessed via the Ōtaki College Website.

• Link to Class Sites for Online Learning

• Our Online Learning Timetable

 Parents’ Role in Online Learning

We do not expect you to be teachers but we do need your help to get your child regularly and actively involved in making sure your child/children are engaging in learning. This may vary in the way it looks from home to home. Some students may like lots of short learning slots with little breaks while other students may like bigger chunks of learning with longer breaks in between. Whatever you decide, there needs to be a plan in place with clear expectations developed by you and your child/children to make certain a learning plan and routine is in place.

 Teachers' Role in Learning

Teachers at Ōtaki College have developed their own class sites. On these sites they will be offering online learning programmes and some times for online classes to students via google hangouts (or equivalent). They will also be supporting students' learning and marking work.

Teachers of senior NCEA subjects are also looking at best opportunities around learning and gaining credits over this period of time while we are required to work online.

 Tracking Students’ Progress

Teachers will be keeping a record of students engaged in classes and submitting work. Where students are not regularly engaged in learning, teachers, curriculum leaders and the senior leadership team will contact whānau/parents so that this will be addressed. 

Teachers will also be providing feedback to students on a regular basis.

 Cyber Safety

I am aware that students will be spending increasing amounts of time online so it is important that you and your child/children are “CYBERSMART”.

 Vicki Archer who is our Manaiakalani School wide Facilitator has supplied this very good link to help you be cybersmart and keep your child/children cybersafe.

https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1nX-z3sclRUn5pztJi7yS6ISKuZ9A-sdWE43E7UkKbEk/edit#slide=id.p

 I would urge all parents to visit this link and follow up on these suggestions. 

 Help - Accessing devices, WiFi or Other Assistance

If you require further assistance in relation to online learning or you are having issues around access to WiFi or a device please do not hesitate to contact me. If you are struggling in any other way and need support, please make contact and we will do our upmost to help.

email afs@otakicollege.school.nz

or 

Mobile 0274 328 829

 Mauri ora

Andy Fraser