King's College Re-Defines Computer Use As Education Tool
Auckland's King's College is redefining the use of the computer in education as students become more reliant on hands-on
computer use at home and boarding study rather than in the classroom.
Ten years after leading the way with laptops in senior classrooms - an innovation since followed by other New Zealand
schools - King's is moving to website-based teaching and learning in 2001.
The last five years in particular have proved that the laptop has primarily become a tool for word processing and
research, both more easily carried out in a student's own time.
Student surveys show that 80% of their most effective computer use is now outside the classroom, and that portability,
while still preferable, has not been such a crucial need.
This trend coincides with recent developments in web-enabled technology spurring possibilities in web-based learning
similar to that being used at tertiary level to support lecture programmes through subject-specific websites.
"The ease of access via the Internet means students no longer need a laptop to download subject material from the
college's local area network. This can now be done far more readily from home or boarding study through the Internet,
either on a laptop or a desktop computer," says King's headmaster John Taylor.
The introduction of the new compulsory computer, but voluntary laptop, programme next year means that if parents of new
6th formers already have a desktop or laptop at home, with a modem for web access, they can save greatly on the
compulsory purchase of a laptop for 6th and 7th form use. Students taking Art Design, Media Studies or Computer Studies
will still require a laptop to maximise course benefits.
"We're putting more, rather than less emphasis on information technology. It means we can increase traditional
face-to-face interactive teaching in the classroom and combine it with high-powered individual access to the largest and
most up-to-date library in the world - the Internet."
Next year senior school students will have access to 40 secure subject-specific websites. Teachers will continue to use
computers and digital projectors in the classroom to give demonstrations on what's available on the College's
departmental sites and the Internet.
King's own website, www.kingscollege.school.nz has been constantly updated to keep students, parents and the wider
community abreast of its developments as well as other college activities.
All departmental websites will be developed to contain essential course information, backup material and links to
Internet sites that enhance a particular study. Students will not require a laptop in class, except for certain
subjects.
"The effect will be to optimise computers in education and better prepare King's students in the way computers are now
being used at tertiary level and in the workplace," adds Mr Taylor.
"Students can focus on new learning and research skills through the immense potential of IT-based applications - a real
benefit in days when so many careers now expect a high level of experience and initiative in IT."
a.. King's will also launch the King's Institute next year, offering online Economics courses accessible to other
schools and overseas students. The Institute's eLearning programme will also offer Maths Online to students throughout
New Zealand at all levels covering the whole of the NZ secondary school maths curriculum. End
For further information contact: John Taylor, Headmaster: 09 276 0613.