The initial content and links of the Studyit website have been edited and checked by teachers and approved by NZQA. Useful web links are continually added to the site but base content will only change if NZQA alter NCEA standards.
Tone and language is monitored and any inappropriate language is ‘caught’ before it goes on the website. For the safety and privacy of all, email addresses are hidden, users go by approved user names, and all ‘expert teacher’ replies are routed through the website. Teacher replies are differentiated from students’ by a mortar board icon attached to the response.
From the drop-down menu, students select their subject by clicking it; the study level is also selected. A third drop-down bar displays the curriculum content for the subject at the chosen level. By highlighting a topic in the curriculum the student is provided with all the information relevant to that topic such as achievement standards, sample assessment questions and links to relevant websites on the topic.
Three mentor teachers are available to help with any further questions. Two specialise in the sciences and the other in maths. All three are registered, currently practising and experienced teachers. A small salary is paid for their work.
The mentor teachers are available most evenings and weekends and endeavour to respond within 24 hours and can respond directly to the student via the website. The manager of the website encourages students to share information by posting it on the website.
The project is funded until August 2005 and the first of three milestones reports has been submitted. The next report is due February 2005.
