The Kopu Project cluster consists of seven schools in the rural and remote townships of the Thames/Coromandel. The implementation of the project will be in two phases, the first beginning in February 2005 with two classes at Opoutere School piloting the use of ICT within the inquiry-based learning model.
Several months later, two further schools will join the project, while the remaining schools will become involved in phase two of the project in 2006.
While Opoutere School will be first school to immerse itself fully in the project, the other schools will be able to help and monitor its progress through Knowledge NET and regular email communication between cluster schools.
To help students develop their skills and techniques in critical thinking and inquiry-based learning, teachers can create online lessons using Microquests.
Microquests provide structure and purpose to web-based activities, and through practice students will become adept and discerning users of the web, and develop skills of information analysis and critique in constructing knowledge and understanding related to the topic which is the focus of the quest.
The Knowledge NET is an integrated intranet and extranet and allows for the sharing of lesson material and communication between the cluster group and schools outside the cluster. Using PCs or laptops from home or at school, students will go online to Knowledge NET and find significant teaching and learning resources which can compliment and support their own professional experience. Because Knowledge NET is multi user-friendly, parents are welcome to log-on and see their child’s work and/or make contact with the school.
Teachers will receive professional development in using ICT in inquiry-based learning and use of Knowledge NET.
Malcolm Roberts from Wintec will independently review the project and report back on it. Ongoing training support for the project will be provided by Mark Treadwell from Knowledge Networks.
In May 2005, the first of two milestone reports is expected.
