Kōtui Ako Virtual Learning Network Aotearoa: Setting ākonga up for success

Kōtui Ako VLN online learning community, gives schools access to over 100 programmes, enabling them to meet different learning needs.

For the uninitiated, Kōtui Ako Virtual Learning Network Aotearoa (VLN) is a collaborative organisation offering a unique educational experience for ākonga across Aotearoa New Zealand.

Its online programmes, designed to foster curiosity, creativity, and practical skills, provide ākonga in Years 0–13 with opportunities to delve deeply into a range of learning opportunities.

By contributing to the Kōtui Ako VLN online learning community, schools gain access to over 100 programmes, enabling them to meet the learning needs of their students more successfully.

“We’re here to help schools access high quality educational opportunities for their ākonga through online learning,” says Kōtui Ako VLN Aotearoa eprincipal (primary) Rachel Whalley.

“It’s a community. We provide an eteacher who beams in to teach a particular programme remotely. With the support of a school-based teacher, they create a programme of learning that’s built on the needs of the individual students and school.”

Virtual numeracy programmes

Mathematics with statistics

VLN’s NCEA Level 3 programme ‘mathematics with statistics’ has been popular this year, with secondary students from 12 different schools taking part, says eprincipal (secondary) Amanda King.

Experienced eteacher Deborah Bowden meets with students online each week for a one-hour lesson.

The follow up coursework is curated through a Google site, where ākonga can access their weekly tasks and supporting resources. They complete their coursework and assignments in Google Classroom so regular feedback and feedforward can be readily given.

This enables students to progress their learning independently throughout the week, with oversight from Deborah.

Mathematics with statistics Level 3 focuses on developing statistical literacy, specifically the skills to use statistical methods to analyse and interpret different types of data.

This includes the use of time series, bi-variate data, probability and distributions, and linear programming. Students investigate statistical data that is relevant and recent, using mathematics to model real-life situations, and make predictions and forecasts.

Deborah has created an immersive online classroom experience for her students by bringing together a variety of digital tools. She uses PowerPoint slides on her laptop while demonstrating worked examples on her tablet – while simultaneously also using an online graphics calculator.

Students say the opportunity to do Kōtui Ako VLN has meant they can learn new techniques in maths.

“Deborah has cleverly developed an environment that engages her students and supports their learning process,” says Amanda.

Student feedback confirms this – ākonga are positive about their experiences learning online and say they are well supported for success, which is reflected in their achievement results.

Maths explorations

The maths explorations programme suits students with a curiosity and passion for the ‘behind the scenes’ of mathematics, explains Rachel.

Ākonga investigate the nuances of mathematics, from where our Arabic number system has evolved from, through to ideas around just how big (or small) numbers can get. Students design and create visually and descriptively, using their imagination alongside an ability for practical mathematics.

Life skills

The life skills programme might be part of financial literacy, but there is a lot of numeracy involved, says Rachel.

Ākonga apply numeracy skills in real world situations as they discover a career to suit their skills, build a resume and apply for their dream job, work out what happens to their pay with taxes and student loans and budget for their living expenses.

Maths problem-solving

“Maths problem-solving is our most popular maths programme,” says Rachel. “It’s aimed at extending learners at level 4 (and beyond) of the curriculum.

Currently, 42 students from 13 different schools from around the country, many from small rural and remote schools, are enrolled. Ākonga are split across four classes that run weekly with eteacher Kay Bannister-Rye.

“They attend Zoom sessions and use Seesaw to access independent activities, share their learning and communicate with each other,” explains Kay.

Class with Kay

Kay says she has effectively adapted face-to-face teaching methods into a concise 30-minute online class using Zoom.

Teachers say online learning encourages ākonga to develop time management skills.

“In our sessions, students start with five brief maths questions,” says Kay, explaining what a typical session looks like. “They select which one they want to answer via chat – those needing assistance can privately message me for hints.

Oral responses include explanations of the problem-solving process, benefiting students who may have struggled with the question.

Next, Kay showcases student answers from previous Seesaw tasks to provide feedback, emphasising exemplary practices and serving as models for those who have not yet responded. Following this, they collaboratively solve a simplified word problem on Zoom, ensuring fundamental concepts are thoroughly understood.

Finally, Kay assigns independent tasks through Seesaw, offering hints and encouraging students to seek support via email or messages.

Students are scheduled to work on these tasks soon after the Zoom session while still fresh in their minds. They’re able to touch base with Kay between Zoom sessions to check in on progress, ask questions or check ideas.

An extension of learning

Mary Kedzlie, principal of Te Rerenga School in the Coromandel, says her school has enrolled students in the maths extension classes of Kōtui Ako VLN (primary) for the past few years.

“We see this as another way of extending our able students, separate to what we cater for in their classrooms,” she says. “They love the mathematical challenges being introduced in the classes and it has impacted positively on their overall learning and attainment in mathematics.”

“At Te Rerenga, we use the VLN to challenge our gifted and talented individuals,” adds Te Rerenga School teacher Odette. “It is also used in the senior school for whole-class learning and teaching, such as the French class.

“A number of our children have been engaged in different VLN programmes over the last few years. Creative writing, art, and maths problem-solving are examples of classes that challenge our more talented learners and expose them to a range of ideas and opportunities for where they are at in their learning.

“The online learning has encouraged the children to manage their learning time and to be responsible for ensuring their homework is completed each week. We have chosen children who are able to engage and respond to an online teacher, and who are focused on their learning.”

Students say the opportunity to do Kōtui Ako VLN has meant they can learn new techniques in maths.

In a recent survey, one Kōtui Ako VLN student outlined what being in their programme had meant for them – highlighting both the positives and challenges.

“This opportunity has meant that I can learn new techniques in maths. The positives are that I can make new friends,” they share. “The challenges are the maths problems because some of them are really hard.”

Enriching ākonga

Kōtui Ako VLN continues to offer enriching online numeracy programmes that challenge and inspire learners across Aotearoa New Zealand.

Through innovative teaching methods and a supportive online environment, ākonga develop essential skills in a range of subjects, including mathematic skills, and foster a lifelong love of learning.

Whether exploring the history of mathematics, applying numeracy to real-life scenarios, or solving complex problems, Kōtui Ako VLN empowers students to achieve their full potential.

For more information on Kōtui Ako VLN programmes and how to join, visit the website(external link).