KAWM Schools’ Videoconferencing Network Takes Top Award

The government-supported asnet Technologies Limited and KAWM Schools’ Videoconferencing Network has taken out top award at Australia’s premier digital media awards.

The win means that the distinctive ‘Aimee’ trophy (see photo attached), normally not awarded outside the Australian industry, came across the Tasman for the first time.

Education Minister Trevor Mallard said the win of Best Teleconferencing Service was a welcome recognition and yet again proves that videoconferencing is a highly effective tool for face-to-face teaching and learning.

“This is a great day for teachers in KAWM schools throughout New Zealand who make the network a success every school day,” Trevor Mallard said.

KAWM (Kaupapa ara Whakawhiti Matauranga) Schools’ Videoconferencing Network currently links 24 schools from Kaitaia to Invercargill – enabling students to interact in joint e-classes. The network is used extensively to teach and promote Maori culture to students.

“This network aims to raise the achievement of Mäori learners in three Schooling Improvement Projects - Ngati Porou East Coast Schools, Wharekura and Paerangi Mäori Boarding Schools. The Wharekura and Ngati Porou communities choose to teach and learn in Maori, while the Paerangi – Maori Boarding Schools – teach and learn in both Maori and English.

“The three critical success factors that will make sure this network thrive are reliable technology, extensive professional development for staff and principals and on-going support for staff and equipment,” Trevor Mallard said.

Denise Hansen, (pictured), asnet’s KAWM project manager was thrilled to bring the award home and is looking forward to seeing the network flourish.

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