Computers in Homes Christchurch

Helpful websites for learning

2012-03-18T14:10:00.001-07:00

http://www.gcsn.school.nz/teaching-and-learning

Click on the above link and you will find many wonderful websites that your children could use at home! These have been gathered and sorted by GCSN - thanks GCSN!

Central New Brighton School

2012-02-28T16:24:00.000-08:00

Central New Brighton School has set up a pod of computers in a spare classroom which works well for Computers in Homes classes and the school. Photos to follow soon :)

Bhutanese Community at Hagley College

2012-02-28T16:20:00.000-08:00

A group from the Bhutanese Refugee Community in Christchurch is currently training at Hagley College. While some struggle a little with the English language, this is largely overcome by the visual aspect of the training, and collaborative learning.

Training at Wharenui School, Riccarton

2012-02-28T16:14:00.000-08:00

A pod of 10 computers has been setup at Wharenui School for Computers in Homes classes. This is working really well, with parents popping in to use the pod regularly to check the emails and go online.

Wainoni Participants

2012-02-28T16:07:00.000-08:00

This term the second intake from Wainoni School is training in a spare classroom using the Computers in Homes mini pod of laptops. SteppingUP classes were also held at Wainoni earlier in the year.

Twelve months on

2012-02-21T19:42:00.000-08:00

To commemorate the shattering quake that hit Christchurch on 22 February 2011, the public of Christchurch placed flowers in the thousands of road cones that are to be found all over the city, due to ongoing roadworks, building demolitions, etc.

Kia Kaha Otautahi

Term 1 2012 classes

2012-02-21T19:30:00.000-08:00

This term Computers in Homes in Christchurch is training over 50 families in 5 different schools. Although many people have left our crippled city over the past 12 months, and many school rolls are down, it is pleasing to have new families in our Computers in Homes classes this term, that have come from the Far North and the Deep South to help rebuild our broken city. We welcome you with open arms!!

Training in the library at Addington Primary School.

Training at Supergrans

2012-01-30T15:08:00.000-08:00

Supergrans in Chch have been very supportive of our Computers in Homes programme, and volunteers have kindly joined in with our classes to help out. http://www.supergrans.org.nz/ This year Supergrans have upgraded to Office 2010, so a bit of computer training and upskilling was required!

Supergrans Training Session

Term 1 2012

2012-01-30T15:00:00.000-08:00

Computers in Homes will be operating out of Wharenui School, Addington Primary School, Central New Brighton School and Wainoni School this term. We will also be working with the Bhutanese Community out of Hagley College. Guy will run the SteppingUP programme during the week of 13 February. This is free and is for all graduates of the CIH programme. This month it will be held at Wainoni School, but the venue will change through out the year. Come along and learn some more!! Visit the SteppingUP website to see when and where the programme is being held. http://www.steppingup.org.nz/

Term 4 Graduation

2011-12-05T12:21:00.000-08:00

Another 30 families have taken home their computers after a vibrant graduation at Aranui High School last night. This means more connected families in our community.Well done to the families for their commitment to training, and thank you to the schools for allowing the Computers in Homes programme to be run through their schools.

Techies preparing for graduation!

2011-12-05T12:08:00.000-08:00

The week prior to graduation is a busy time. Amongst other things, all computers are tested on arrival, before they go out to our families. Thanks Guy and Joe for all your help and support.

Last week of training!

2011-11-29T00:14:00.000-08:00

This term has flown by, with Graduation set for next week. At this week's training, being the last, groups are being shown how to put their computers together, and having a last minute play with digital cameras. Well done to all the participants at Aranui High, Aranui Primary, Bamford and Chch East schools, plus those who joined us from Catholic Cathedral College and Shirley Intermediate School. Lots of fun for everyone!

Term Four classes

2011-11-08T20:27:00.000-08:00

Training is well underway now at Aranui Primary, Aranui High, Bamford and Christchurch East schools. Families from Shirley Intermediate and Catholic Cathedral have also joined these groups.

Stepping Up

2011-10-27T18:44:00.000-07:00

Stepping Up will be held at Linwood North School (in the library) this term, and at other schools next year. You can join in at any school, not just the one you trained at.

You are entitled to attend four free Stepping Up classes to further your computer training. Below are the eight options. Bookings need to be made at Linwood North School reception. Write your full name and school next to the four that you would like to attend. Classes are limited to ten participants. If you have any queries, please email me on suedavidson2010@gmail.com or txt me on 027 6996342. Please pass the message on to those who do not have the Internet on yet!!

Thanks, Sue

PS Bring your Computers in Homes course notes and memory stick with you to classes.

“Develop a passion for learning. If you do, you will never cease to grow.” ~Anthony J. D’Angelo

Stepping Up

2011-10-27T18:40:00.000-07:00

Date and Time	Class	Description
Thur 1 Dec 9am-11.30am	Digital Imaging 3 (Movies)	Making movies using Windows MovieMaker
Thur 1 Dec 12.30pm-3pm	Digital Imaging 1 (Photos)	Revision: Taking photos; uploading them onto computer.
Thur 10 Nov 9am-11.30am	Digital Communication (eMail)	Further familiarisation with email - sending, receiving, attachments, etc
Thur 10 Nov 12.30pm-3pm	Digital Literacy (Bring your course notes and memory stick)	A general review of everything that was covered during Computers in Homes training.
Thur 17 Nov 9am-11.30am	Digital Communication (Facebook)	Further familiarisation with FaceBook
Thur 17 Nov 12.30pm-3pm	Office Skills	File management, Google Calendar, shortcuts, etc
Thur 24 Nov 9am-11.30am	Digital Imaging 2 (Photos)	Manipulating images – get creative!
Thur 24 Nov 12.30pm-3pm	Microsoft Skills	Microsoft Office: Word (CVs, etc) and Excel (create a mini budget)

Mini Movie

2011-10-12T22:26:00.000-07:00

This is what parents said about the programme............... thanks to those who participated!!!

Term 3 Graduation

2011-10-06T15:33:00.000-07:00

On Monday 3 October, thirty three Computers in Homes families graduated in Christchurch. The graduation ceremony was kindly hosted at Linwood North School, and participants were supported by friends and family. Principals, DPs and support staff along with Super Grans, Brendon Burns (MP) and Fuetanoa Kose Seinafo (Ministry of Education) were there to celebrate and congratulate the families achievement and commitment. Three schools were involved, namely Linwood North, Linwood Intermediate and Wainoni Kura. Congratulations everyone!

Supergrans in action at CiH training

2011-09-11T14:13:00.000-07:00

Computers in Homes in Chch is very fortunate to have the support of Supergrans at our training sessions. These wonderful people take time out of their busy days to come and work alongside our families at school during training. They also offer ongoing support for our families when they have completed their training. The link above will take you to their website if you would like to find out more about this wonderful organisation. Thank you Supergrans!!

CiH Chch Survey Results

2011-08-16T21:53:00.000-07:00

The following are quotes from the surveys that participants completed at the end of their training. The question was:
"Please list 1 or 2 specific things about the training that helped you to learn."
Here are some of the answers:

Its help my children doing their homework and chat with families overseas.
how to use camera and photos uploading onto internet...
good communication
Word
Website
emailing web searching
* small group to work within
* safe friendly environment with a great teacher
get on web side for kids and sending emails hopefully by having computer at home will help me learn more about it so I can get a job some day
just give the buttons a push and try yourself instead of asking what to do all the time
usefull info for kids websites
the small group
the wonderfull structure
gmail / tabs what they stand for/ basicly everything
How to do different things on other than play games.
how to set up a e.mail account
learning to put photos up and load them on to memory stick
The easy way the tutor spread the info out on the data projector
helped me send emails and set up face book which is a good way 2 keep in contact with friends and family which is awesome because some have moved out of chch since quake
repetition helps me a lot....
emails sending and facebook.using word document.
The way that Sue (our tutor) took the time to individually see us all and help us with problems.
my trainer is very patience with me
Knowing how to transfer things (i.e Photos) onto different devices.
Finding good websites for my son to help him with his homework.

Where to report online incidents

2011-08-15T20:24:00.000-07:00

http://www.theorb.org.nz/

"The orb has been developed by NetSafe to offer all New Zealanders a simple and secure way to report online incidents which may break NZ law or breach legislation."

Term 3 up and running....

2011-08-04T19:14:00.000-07:00

We have had an awesome start to Term 3 here in Christchurch. Wonderful weather, few shakes and lots of happy faces at our Computers in Homes classes. This term we are training about 35 families at Wainoni School, Linwood Intermediate School and Linwood North School.

Computers in Homes inspires and motivates its participants :)

2011-07-25T18:10:00.000-07:00

"Thank you for teaching me so well and giving me the confidence to use a computer.I tried to learn years ago but i just could not get the hang of it.Since i started this course you have changed my point of view about computing and i have decided to further my studies.i am currently looking at my options.Thanks again."

Have a good day.

"

(Rebecca at Aranui)

Christchurch East Graduation

2011-07-14T14:12:00.000-07:00

Christchurch East School was the last school to graduate this term - well done everyone! Thank you Brendon Burns (MP) for attended the graduation. Mike Agar and Cade Engelfield were instumental in getting the programme up and running at Chch East. Thank you to all the school principals and all their staff for making this programme available to their communities. With Computers in Homes here to assist, no home should be without a computer! Next term Computers in Homes will be running out of Linwood Intermediate School, Linwood North Primary School and Wainoni Primary School. Any schools that are interested in running the programme can contact me on suedavidson2010@gmail.com

Avondale Primary School Graduation

2011-07-12T19:55:00.000-07:00

Well done to the Avondale Primary School families who graduated today, and thanks to their principal Mark Scown and DP David Haythornthwaite for making it possible!!

Today ......... Avondale Primary

2011-07-12T13:04:00.000-07:00

All ready to go to their new homes............................

Graduation at Aranui Primary School

2011-07-12T11:26:00.000-07:00

After graduation at Aranui Primary School this morning, nine families got to take their Computers in Homes computers home!! Well done everyone and big thanks to Chris Nord (principal) for being so supportive :)

Bamford and Bromley Graduate

2011-07-11T23:51:00.000-07:00

Computers in Homes families from Bamford Primary School and Bromley Primary School graduated together in the Bromley school library today. Ruth Dyson (MP), Colin Hammond (Bamford Principal), Scot Kinley (Bromley Principal) and Marilyn van Esyden (Bromley DP) were there to support and congratulate the families.

Generous donation to schools on eastside

2011-07-03T23:00:00.000-07:00

http://www.stuff.co.nz/the-press/news/christchurch-earthquake-2011/5226583/Donation-more-than-just-heart-warming

Most of the kids in our schools on the east received thermal clothing - what a generous and useful gift - especially after the icey start this morning. The cute little boy in the photo is about to receive a computer from Computers in Homes next week as well - thanks to his mum taking part in CiH at Bromley School!! (follow link above)

Graduations

2011-06-29T14:10:00.000-07:00

At Computers in Homes in Christchurch, five primary schools, namely Bromley, Chch East, Aranui, Avondale and Bamford, will have families graduating at ceremonies in the last week of this term. They have one week of training left, where they will be shown how to essemble the computers they get to take home at graduation. Their 10 weeks of training has enabled them to become confident users of email and the internet. They have also become familiar with digital cameras, word documents and memory sticks, as well as learning about cyber safety - all the basic skills you need to get by! Well done everyone.
Next term, Computers in Homes will be working out of Linwood Intermediate School, Linwood North Primary School, Wainoni Primary School and Shirley Intermediate School. Any schools wishing to participate in the programme can contact Sue Davidson at suedavidson2010@gmail.com

Bromley Participants

2011-06-29T13:55:00.000-07:00

This term Computers in Homes in Chch have 8 participants from Bromley Primary School, following on from the 13 that graduated last term. Awesome!! Graduation is in two weeks time.

Bamford Troopers

2011-06-29T13:51:00.000-07:00

At Bamford we are lucky to have SuperGran Marg there to upport us - Thanks SuperGrans!!

Computers in Homes in the North Island

2011-06-29T13:45:00.001-07:00

Computers in Homes New Zealand
Taking the Internet to Isolated Communities in Aotearoa New Zealand Di Das National CIH Coordinator.
www.slideshare.net/Jay_dub/computers-in-homes-new-zealand

Comment from Tulu

2011-06-08T12:59:00.000-07:00

"Hi Sue is Tulu, I just say hellow to you and how things going with the training. My computer works very well, thanks again for your help during the training. You are an amazing teacher that I ever learn through, and also good luck on your plans for the future. Fa Soifua."

Telecon free wireless hotspots in Chch

2011-06-02T18:50:00.000-07:00

Christchurch Wireless Hotspots

"We appreciate the huge impact that the earthquake is having on everyone in Christchurch and surrounding areas. If your broadband connection is down and you need to use the internet, Telecom has over 50 free wireless hotspots in Christchurch." Telecom

http://www.telecom.co.nz/help/content/0,10709,206581-204491,00.html

Trust Welcomes Boost In Funding For Computers In Homes

2011-06-02T14:34:00.000-07:00

"A surprise announcement this morning by the Hon Tariana Turia, the Minister for the Community and Voluntary Sector, to increase funding for digital literacy and connection programmes, including Computers in Homes, will help to ensure that no-one misses out from New Zealand’s broadband future."

Read more at:
http://www.voxy.co.nz/politics/trust-welcomes-boost-funding-computers-homes/1861/91428

Warning - phone call scams

2011-06-02T13:14:00.000-07:00

Beware of telephone scam!!

"We have been hearing about CIH families getting called at home and told there is something wrong with their computers. They are told it is from Microsoft or Windows and they think it is someone from Computers in Homes. Of course it is not ...... " message from Di Das - National Coordinator for CiH

Under no circumstances should you let someone take remote control of your computer!! Watch the video of FairGo below for further information about this scam.

http://tvnz.co.nz/fair-go/pc-virus-cold-callers-6-23-video-4203083

Avondale Primary School

2011-05-31T20:55:00.000-07:00

Training hard at Avondale Primary School. We are certainly not demonstrating good posture - the chairs and tables are very little!!! Check out this video on Youtube to see how we should be sitting.

Aranui Primary School

2011-05-30T13:30:00.000-07:00

At Aranui Primary School we currently have nine wonderful mums training. We are working in the sunny staffroom, where hands-on principal Chris Nord comes in regularly to support us!!

Term 2 in Chch

2011-05-17T23:30:00.000-07:00

Amongst the ongoing rumbles of aftershocks, Christchurch is trying to get back to normal. Some families have returned to the city while many have stayed away, making it difficult for schools to determine their school rolls. This term Computers in Homes in Chch is operating out of five schools in the east, namely Bromley Primary, Avondale Primary, Aranui Primary, Christchurch East and Bamford Primary. The total number graduating in July will be around 40 families.
Kia Kaha Christchurch.

Christchurch East School

2011-05-08T12:54:00.000-07:00

Computers in Homes is operating out of Christchurch East School on Thursdays. The group will graduate at the end of term 2.

CiH Chch Article in Mainland Press

2011-05-03T19:44:00.000-07:00

UK Expert calls for extension of Computers in Homes Programme

2011-05-03T19:24:00.000-07:00

"The Computers in Homes programme along with other digital inclusion initiatives such as Computer Clubhouse and Aotearoa People's Network should be expanded to ensure no-one misses out from the Government's Ultra-Fast broadband (UFB) programme, says a visiting UK expert.
Dr Tim Williams, a UK urban regeneration expert, was speaking in Wellington on Monday 2 May at the launch of his new independent report "Connecting Communities - The Impact of Broadband on Communities in the UK and its implications for New Zealand". "New Zealand led the world in the 1980's with its open approach to telecommunications market reform and can do so again in creating a nation of digitally literate people who are able to make effective use of the new ultra-fast broadband technology," he said."

Follow the link below to read more.

http://www.voxy.co.nz/national/uk-expert-calls-expansion-computers-homes/5/89140

Bromley Graduation

2011-04-12T21:22:00.000-07:00

Today thirteen families graduated at Bromley School after a tumultuous term dodging earthquakes and aftershocks. Well done - it has been a huge committment by you all. One dedicated mum was even coming to class at 9am prior to dashing off to the hospital for one of her twice daily visits to her earthquake prem baby. You guys are amazing! Those that were unable to complete their training this term due to ongoing earthquake related dramas, will continue next term on Tuesday afternoons, along with some newbies. Well done everyone ;)
Next term Computers in Homes will also be operating out of Aranui Primary, Christchurch East, Avondale and Bamford Schools. Stay tuned!! Sue

There's a Fraction Liquifaction - in Christchurch!!

2011-04-04T14:47:00.000-07:00

Fraction Liquefaction Parody

Follow link = awesome video with clever words using the song "There's a fraction too much friction."

CiH Chch article in ICT PD Newsletter

2011-04-04T14:41:00.000-07:00

http://centre4.core-ed.net/382/85603

The ICT PD Newsletter is an awesome online source of inspirational stories and information relating to ICT and general technologies. This week Computers in Homes was featured. Follow the link to read more.

Calling all knitters to help please!

2011-03-30T17:46:00.001-07:00

"Stay warm and dreamy in your Bedtime Beanie" A wonderful initiative if the New Brighton Project to help Christchurch people through the approaching winter - possibly without heating. http://www.newbrightonproject.blogspot.com/

Behind the scenes, the New Brighton Project has become a part of the Greater Brighton: Community in Recovery group. You'll be pleased to know that there is an amazing collaboration of many New Brighton community groups who are meeting weekly, working hard to make sure your community gets back on its feet.
One of the first initiatives is the Bedtime Beanies Project. It is likely to be a cold winter – many chimneys are down and power prices high. Many people are living in damaged and damp homes. It is not realistic to expect things to be back to normal by the time the cold weather arrives. What can we do to make things a little better?
A lot of our body heat leaves through the head – keep the head warm and the body stays warm.
The goal is to provide the children in our district with a “Bedtime Beanie” A soft and comfortable bed hat to wear each night, and to achieve this by the end of May.
SO - CALLING ALL KNITTERS etc– CAN YOU HELP ? The only requirement is that the hat be made from soft fibre and comfortable to lie on and in a variety of sizes for primary school children.
As the project develops we will be able to keep everyone up to date with progress through the New Brighton Project Inc. website.
It would be great if each hat could have a little note pinned to it as to where it comes from and your name. “STAY WARM & DREAMY IN YOUR BEDTIME BEANIE”
Any Enquiries to: Jenny Lineham, 317 Keyes Road, New Brighton, 8083. Phone: 3886628 jlineham@xtra.co.nz

Bromley Participants

2011-03-29T16:14:00.000-07:00

Training at Bromley School is firing ahead, with participants attending training twice a week. A quote from Bromley mums: “Computers in Homes is awesome! It is a learning curve for us adults because our children know way more than us. Our children are really excited because they will be able to continue their school learning at home, and they also like seeing us at their school learning!”

Bromley - commitment plus! True Canterbury spirit.

2011-03-21T18:44:00.000-07:00

Kia ora
Great news! After a meeting this morning at Bromley School, we have 20 (approx) participants who are ready to roll their sleeves up, dig in deep and double their training time over the next four weeks so that they can still graduate before the end of term. No setbacks here. Now that's real Christchurch spirit and commitment! Bring it on!!
We have just set the date for the graduation for Wednesday 13 April @ 10.30 am in the Bromley School library. Cantabrians are amazing!!
Thanks everyone.
Sue ;)

Remarkit (CiH suppliers) help out in Chch

2011-03-20T17:41:00.000-07:00

Brett O’Riley CEO of NZICT reports:

Industry collaboration for Christchurch

“Following the recent events in Christchurch, the ICT industry has a significant role to play in assisting the city’s business community and residents in getting back to normal as quickly as possible. A lot of great offers and ideas have been coming through, which have been much appreciated, and big ups to everyone for their efforts. Now we have to ensure that all of these offers and ideas are coordinated to maximize their impact.

There is still a steady stream of hardware being donated and please channel that through Tim Findlay and his team at Remarkit. They have put together an excellent process for collecting, refurbishing (where required), tracking and distributing the hardware. No matter what the operating system the hardware is using please utilize Remarkit, we have had donations across the full spectrum. Together we are keen to make sure the hardware gets utilized fully and is recycled to other users in Christchurch when appropriate. Remarkit have also established a blog to capture many of the stories and commentary related to their work for Christchurch.”

Remarkit’s details are found at:

http://logi.remarkit.co.nz/MicrosoftShipping.aspx

http://it4christchurch.blogspot.com/

..... and then the quake struck.

2011-03-07T23:53:00.000-08:00

When the thunderous 6.3 quake hit Chch on 22 February, I was at Bromley School with six parents, about to start our 1 pm session. We were instantly thrown to the floor and unable to gain any sort of control over our limbs, as furniture crashed down around us and books spewed forth from the library shelves. Luckily the students were all outside, sitting down eating their lunch under the close supervision of staff. As soon as we possibly could, we were up and out of the room, as anxious parents started running into the school from all directions in search of their kids. All the time, the ongoing aftershocks kept rumbling and groaning, shaking us to the core. Petrified kids were crying, while others desperately tried to cuddle and console their buddies. Staff were onto it and under the close supervision of their principal and deputy, the earthquake "drill" was caried out seemlessly as students settled sobbing into their classlines.Well done Bromley!
Now two weeks on, Christchurch is in recovery mode. Most areas have power and water again, and some schools will be starting back this week. Computers in Homes will be up and running again before too long.
Our hearts go out to those who have lost loved ones. Kia Kaha.
Sue

Come to you Census

2011-02-16T12:22:00.000-08:00

Stepping UP - Come to your Census
Today, Tuesday 15 February 2010 marks the launch of our "Come to Your Census" campaign to persuade all New Zealanders to complete their census documents online. Tuesday March 8th is Census Day and we are encouraging community groups and organisations with internet access to invite their communities to come and complete their census forms online at their site.

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Stepping-UP-Come-to-your-Census/154369114617534

2011 Christchurch CiH ready for action!!!

2011-02-09T20:34:00.000-08:00

Bring it on!!! Computers in Homes in Christchurch is ready to roll. Bromley School in Keighleys Road is ready to start their training next week. After a meeting with interested parents and Deputy Principal Marilyn van Eysden today we have set training times for during the day - while kids are busy at kindy and school. A pod of seven CiH laptops will be used for training in the school library. Twenty hours of training will be completed by the end of term one, and 21 families will have computers to take home for the school holidays after their graduation. Awesome!! Well done Bromley!!

Computers in Homes projects in Christchurch pre 2010

2011-01-17T14:35:00.000-08:00

Computers in Homes has assisted many families in Christchurch over the years.

Rowley Ave School

St James School

Te Kete Atawhai Cluster

Shirley Intermediate School and Hammersley Park

Graduation for Catholic Cathedral College: December 2010

2011-01-17T14:05:00.000-08:00

The graduation Ceremony for Catholic Cathedral College was held in conjunction with the school's end of year Prizegiving. Well done everyone!

Last session at Catholic Cathedral!

2010-12-02T00:45:00.000-08:00

Catholic Cathedral College families have been working hard over the last few months. Graduation is on 10 December.

2 comments:

moc said...: Hi my name is Michele O'Carroll. Most of the parents involved with our school in this project have completed their 20 hours and the other two, hopefully will do this in the next day or two. It has been a great opportunity to get to know these parents so well and spend this time with them. Although I am one of the trainers, they have also taught me things with various conversations that we have had while we have been training. It has been a great experience and one that I would recommend to other parents and trainers. Everyone gets a great sense of achievement. Thank you Sue for providing such good support in setting this program up for our school. I can't wait to see our parents go up and get their certificates at our junior prize giving on the 10th of December.; November 30, 2010 12:40 AM
Lossie said...: Hi my name is Lossie, I am looking forward to having my computer at home so my children can use it at home for their homework. Also I can use it as well for personal family things etc. One other thing that is importanted to me is when one of my childen is sick, they can use it for study or homework.; November 30, 2010 8:00 PM

Catholic Cathedral College

2010-11-26T23:49:00.000-08:00

We currently have 7 families from Catholic Cathedral College completing their training sessions with trainers Michele O'Carroll, Rob Ferguson and Sam McNeill. They will graduate on 10 December. Photos and comments to follow!!