27 September 2004
ICT in action in schools
Video conferencing is being used in schools throughout New Zealand as just one of the many new information and
communications technologies being harnessed for learning.
While some teachers require their students to turn off their cellphones during class, back at the school office,
administration staff are texting parents if their children don’t arrive at school.
These are just two examples from the Ministry of Education as it advances on all fronts to support schools’ application
of new technologies for learning, teaching and administration.
Recognising the potential of information technology for education, the Ministry is sponsoring the NAVCON 2k4
international conference at the Christchurch Convention Centre from 28 September to 1 October 2004.
Over four days more than 1700 hundred teachers and education professionals from both sides of the Tasman will consider
future directions for education in a digital and information technology age.
Prominent international and New Zealand-based educationalists speaking at the conference, include:
Tom Sergiovanni from the US, an internationally recognised management guru for education and management Dale Spender
from Australia, speaking on reinventing the teaching profession in the digital age Julia Atkin from Australia, covering
Reassessing Assessment Howard Fancy Secretary for Education, provides a vision for education in New Zealand Mary
Chamberlain, Ministry of Education, discusses the future of the school curriculum Jonathan Briggs, UK, speaks on
harnessing blogging techniques for effective learning and engagement.
Journalists are welcome to attend the conference and listen to key speakers. Please check the conference programme at
www.navcon.org.nz
ENDS