Hangarau - Technology

 

Ngā Marau Iho – Core Curriculum Pānui – Reading Tuhituhi – Writing Kōrero – Oral Ngā Reo - Languages Pāngarau – Mathematics

Ngā Marau Pakirehua – Inquiry Curriculum Pūtaiao – Science Tikanga ā-iwi – Social Studies Hangarau - Technology Hangarau Matihiko – Digital Technology Ngā Toi - The Arts

 

What is technology about?

Kaua e rangiruatia te hāpai o te hoe;

e kore tō tātou waka e ū ki uta.

Technology is intervention by design. It uses intellectual and practical resources to create technological outcomes, which expand human possibilities by addressing needs and realising opportunities.

Design is characterised by innovation and adaptation and is at the heart of technological practice. It is informed by critical and creative thinking and specific design processes. Effective and ethical design respects the unique relationship that New Zealanders have with their physical environment and embraces the significance of Māori culture and world views in its practice and innovation.

Technology makes enterprising use of knowledge, skills and practices for exploration and communication, some specific to areas within technology and some from other disciplines. These include digitally-aided design, programming, software development, various forms of technological modelling, and visual literacy – the ability to make sense of images and the ability to make images that make sense.
 
The staff and Board have implemented a DT Implementation Plan covering Teaching and Learning, Professional Learning Development and Infrastructure, in which the focus aims to provide students and teachers with the skills they need to use tools as part of their learning and teaching programmes, in a sustainable way. DT is encouraged for all students from year 3 to 8, when students are able to read information more effectively for understanding.

The effective use of DT as a tool for teaching and learning will be by attaining the following goals:

● To increase the skills and confidence of teachers in using the DT in their classroom and the AV suite provided for DT development

● To increase the use of DT in teaching programmes to enhance student learning

● To improve the levels of information literacy for students

● To develop a network of support within the kura

● To increase administrative efficiencies

● To develop and review DT plans and policies

● To produce resources that may be used in the classroom

The effective use of DT’s as a tool for teaching and learning is a key aspect of Te Kura o Te Teko learning culture that can enhance learning options and outcomes across the curriculum. (E.g. use of Assembly and iUgo for administrative, teaching and planning, and student/teacher/parent collaborative learning).

We see DT as an integral part of the learning process and not as an added extra. It enhances learning and provides opportunities

● For collaborative learning

● To access a wide range of information sources

● For learners to be more motivated

● For learners to develop problem solving, critical thinking and higher order thinking skills

● To develop information skills in meaningful contexts

● To produce work using a variety of multimedia

● For children to express themselves.

It is recognised that to achieve these goals it is necessary to continue upgrading of the existing infrastructure and continue to provide opportunities for staff to up-skill. This process is being continued with staff being involved in relevant Professional Learning Development, upgrading existing school network, incorporating a SMS and the use of broadband and wireless internet connections to the school.

It is expected that teachers at Te Kura o Te Teko include DT integration as part of the planning process in their teaching and learning programmes where applicable.