Teachers offered digital skills

DEBUT: A postgraduate programme for teachers is being offered in Palmerston North for the first time. Photo: SUPPLIED

Enrolments are open for New Zealand's largest postgraduate programme for teachers and it is being offered to educators in Palmerston North for the first time.

The Mind Lab by Unitec Postgraduate Certificate in Applied Practice (Digital and Collaborative Learning) is designed for educators at all levels from early childhood through to tertiary.

The 32-week, part-time NZQA-accredited qualification recognises the rapidly advancing digital world and enables teachers to respond to the needs of their students. The course offers participants the chance to learn practical strategies for bringing technology to life in the classroom, assisting them to improve engagement with learners and increase student achievement.

National Postgraduate director of Mindlab by Unitec, David Parsons, says teachers were looking for something that would allow them to change their practice to better work in today's digital world.

"The teachers who have completed the programme say they feel better about their practice being much more in tune with today's society and students. It is much more important now to guide and mentor students to be critical thinkers and acquire contemporary skills than a more traditional mindset has allowed for."

Palmerston North educators are encouraged to attend an Open Lab where they can explore what the course offers. There will also be some practical activities thrown in the mix.

Mr Parsons says this is the first time that the programme has been offered in the Manawatu area and he hopes educators will seize the opportunity.

"We have been offering the programme in Wellington and just recently in Wanganui, but this is the first time we have offered it in this part of the Manawatu. It is a really great opportunity for local teachers to get on board."

There are $2000 scholarships on offer thanks to the Next Foundation and Parson's says the majority of postgraduate students qualify. "The $2000 covers almost all of the fees associated with the course, and most educators qualify, so it is well worth applying."

The Mind Lab by Unitec Open Lab will be held June 15 from 4pm-6pm at College Street Normal School, 402 College St, Palmerston North.