19 July 2004

Cyber safety training for schools

Five new training modules on cyber safety for schools were launched today by Education Minister Trevor Mallard.

"This project is a great example of how consultation with different groups can contribute to something very important – a world-class initiative enabling schools to create safer learning environments for their students," Trevor Mallard said.

The modules have been developed by the Internet Safety Group with funding from the Ministry of Education. They build on information in the Netsafe Kit for Schools, also supported by the Ministry of Education and distributed to all schools. The Internet Safety Group is the Ministry's designated agent for internet safety resources, advice and professional development.

The training programme is made up of a comprehensive set of teaching modules with workbooks. Targeted at the specific needs of key school personnel, they will be delivered by licensed providers in a series of workshops around the country.

"Our government is committed to raising student achievement and ensuring all our students can reach their full potential in education. For this to happen it's essential that we create and maintain technology-enriched learning environments that are both safe, enjoyable and productive," Trevor Mallard said.

In developing and trialling these modules, the Internet Safety Group involved a wide range of agencies and groups. These included: the Police e-crime unit, the Department of Internal Affairs, Ministry of Education, private forensic experts, the New Zealand School Trustees Association, school insurers, lawyers, and Multi Serve Education Trust, along with teachers, board trustees, principals, advisers and information communications technology specialists working in schools.

"New Zealand teachers are leading the way in harnessing the potential of information and communication technologies for learning. We have much to be proud of in what has already been achieved, and in the work that is underway to further improve the benefits for our students and teachers," Trevor Mallard said.

"My thanks goes to Internet Safety Group for its dedication and hard work in this area, and in particular its school education manager Claire Balfour for managing the modules development process."

ENDS

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