When the Liggins Education Network for Science (LENScience) wanted to give school students a chance to prepare for their NZQA NZ Scholarship examinations via a satellite television seminar series, they called on Kordia for help.

Working in conjunction with the University of Auckland’s Information Technology Services division, Kordia produced a series of seminars that provided high school biology students with additional learning tools and resources to support preparation for their exams.

Held in November 2008 using Kordia’s satellite technology, the seminars were broadcast to five high schools in West Auckland, Gisborne, Tauranga and Kaitaia, and via the KAREN network to schools in Wellington.

“While it may have been possible to present this seminar series using internet technologies, the truth is that many school networks struggle to cope with web casts and videoconferencing,” says LENScience Director, Jacquie Bay.

“By working with Kordia, we used satellite TV to give schools access to the seminars by simply turning on the TV; a much easier and more efficient option than complicated and sometimes expensive computer networks.”

The three-seminar series featured presentations from scientists at the University’s Liggins Institute and leading secondary school teachers, linking current research in science to the school curriculum.

A challenge question at the end of each seminar helped students understand how to approach examination questions; and students were given the opportunity to ask questions and discuss the seminar via teleconference link, a Skype chat room or a wiki page.

“This model, which sees teachers and scientists co-presenting to the students, supports learning,” says Jacquie.

Using satellite TV technology, students can engage with scientists and join with like-minded students across the country who are interested in excelling in science.

“This project has delivered better technology into regional New Zealand in a way that can positively impact current educational resources,” says Kordia CEO, Geoff Hunt.

“The regions can often play second fiddle to the metropolitan areas, but Kordia is focused on delivering ubiquitous standards of technology to all New Zealanders. Kordia’s work with the Liggins Institute is yet another example of this.”

Such was the success of this project, that the Liggins Institute is planning a second seminar series from May to November 2009.

“The interactive seminar broadcasts will bring schools together with our world class scientists, allowing students from throughout the country to share ideas and learn together,” says Jacquie.

“Each seminar will be supported by in-school workshops and ongoing discussion via the LENScience wiki site. This opportunity will stimulate communication amongst New Zealand’s current and future thought leaders, using cutting edge technologies to remove traditional barriers.

“The technology that Kordia and the University of Auckland have provided is creating a true learning partnership between schools, Kordia, LENScience and the University. Teachers throughout the country are excited by the prospect of this programme and the learning it will provide for both teachers and students.”