Distance Education Online Learning - Distance Education & Online Learning

Distance Education

Distance Education occurs when students and teachers are physically separate from one another during instruction and learning periods.

Distance Learning

Distance education, also known as “online learning and e-learning” refers to any learning that is undertaken by students requiring them to have a teacher or tutor from outside our school. There are currently two avenues for distance education for our students. One is through the FarNet Online Learning Community and the other one is the traditional correspondence school. We prefer to offer the FarNet option to students as it has proven to be more engaging for the learner.

How does it work?

Students referred to as e-students are connected to their class through a video conference bridge where they can see both their teacher and the other students in their class from schools right throughout New Zealand. Through the weekly video-conferencing session, along with the wide range of digital resources now available, students can interact with their teacher and other students. Throughout the rest of the week students work on their own on the wide range of resources, but can contact their e-teacher for assistance or extra tutorials. Mr Harrison as the e-dean provides the pastoral care of the e-students at Kaitaia College and ensures that e-students are making regular contact with their e-teacher.

FarNet belongs to the New Zealand Virtual Learning Network Community (NZVLNC) which means our students have access to qualified teachers in a wide range of curriculum areas from all over New Zealand.

Courses Offered through Distance Education

There are a wide range of courses available. They can be found on the Learning Exchange on the Virtual Learning Network. The course outline and pre-requisites can be found here. The next step is to speak to the e-dean - Mr Harrison.

Why do we need Online Learning?

Where we are able to, your child will have a teacher from our school, but to ensure that your child’s learning needs are met, online learning is an excellent alternative.

Some reasons why your child may need to learn through distance learning:

Small class numbers at Kaitaia College in a subject
A subject is not offered at Kaitaia College
There is no qualified teacher in that subject or level
A timetable clash.

Weekly Video Conference Classes

E-students will be scheduled in a weekly class with their teacher (e-teacher) where they will be able to see their teacher and the other students in that class through the use of video conferencing.

The e-teacher will provide an internet-based online environment where resources are made available, forums set up where discussions can take place, homework can be downloaded and assessments can be uploaded. Students will no longer need to wait for their resources to arrive in the mail.

Students will have this online class on their timetable, so they will have an option line where they will be required to work independently, or some supervision may be needed, depending on the student and school.

Students will need access to the internet and a device during this option line and the school will ensure this is made available. It is an advantage but not essential for students to have access to the internet after school hours.

Is online learning suitable for everyone?

Is online learning suitable for everyone? Our research and observations clearly indicates that this style of learning does not suit everyone.

In order for distance learning to be successful, students must:

Be able to work independently and to take responsibility of their own learning
Attend school regularly
Commit to attend the weekly video conference classes
Communicate with the e-teacher and e-dean
Meet the pre-requisites as stated in the course outlines
Gain approval from their school through the e-dean