NorthTec innovation award recognises excellence

Media release:

NorthTec technology and innovation award recognises excellence

NorthTec Chief Executive Terry Barnett presented NorthTec’s award for technology and innovation to Magnetism Solutions Ltd in front of an audience of key Northland business leaders at the 2009 Westpac Northland Business Excellence Awards last Friday (subs 9 October).

“NorthTec has a strong focus on using leading-edge technology and world-class innovation in its programme delivery to students and we are delighted to present the award for technology and innovation to a business like Magnetism Solutions Ltd that has demonstrated the very qualities that we hope to embody.”

NorthTec is a leading user of interactive learning and wireless technology and is one of three tertiary education partners that 3D visualisation software company Nextspace is working with as part of a Government-supported initiative to develop the potential applications of 3D visualisation in New Zealand.

“Our collaboration with Nextspace is providing us with the ability to develop greatly enhanced, dynamic 3D learning tools for students,” said NorthTec’s Chief Executive Terry Barnett.

NorthTec has already run pilot projects with key programme areas including nursing, sport and recreation and architectural drawing to explore the potential applications of Nextspace’s technology.

NorthTec also uses online lessons and blended delivery to communicate with remotely-located students.

This year NorthTec is using a $500,000 grant from the Tertiary Education Commission’s Encouraging and Supporting Innovation Fund to revolutionise the way that NorthTec’s Sustainable Rural Development courses are being delivered in remote areas.

Mobile teaching kits and training have been provided to NorthTec tutors delivering community-based sustainable rural development courses at eleven sites in an area from Ngataki in the north to Great Barrier Island in the east, Waipoua in the west and Coatesville in the south.

The mobile kits include a business tablet (similar to a laptop but also able to be used as a notepad), data show projector and screen, and a digital camera. Each of these elements can be connected together electronically which means that the full range of technology can be brought straight into a rural setting.

“Innovation and technology are key components of our future vision for NorthTec,” said Mr Barnett. “They are key elements which we use to equip our students with real skills for the working world they hope to enter - both in the Northland region and further abroad.”

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