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| The Correspondence School |
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| Author : Correspondence School
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| Created : 07 May 2002
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| Last Revision : 22 May 2002
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A history of Innovation Continues
In its 80-year history The Correspondence School (TCS) has earned a reputation for developing innovative teaching methods to deliver distance learning.
Founded in 1922,TCS was set up to ensure all children,including those from isolated families,had access to education.Traditionally,students came from very remote areas and while that is still true today the school now also caters for a diverse range of students including adults and those with special needs.
Unlike other schools,TCS – New Zealand’s largest school – caters for a broad spectrum of learning from early childhood to primary and secondary levels.Adult courses such as English for speakers of other languages (ESOL)are also provided.
When schools are not able to provide teaching in certain subjects,TCS steps in.Dual-enrolled students can study specific courses by correspondence while continuing to attend their local school for other
subjects.
TCS also provides “second chance ” education for adult students who want to improve their qualifications.In addition,the school provides some
services on a fee-paying basis. TCS students have the support of 24 regional representatives based
throughout New Zealand who know most of the full-time students in their area.Further student support is offered by the school ’s deans, while teaching support is provided by 650 staff,mostly based in Wellington.
E-learning in action
At present most students ’ lessons arrive by post in the familiar green envelopes but for some,change is in the air.TCS has embraced the best of modern technology and already 200 students are taught on-line through the school ’s eSection.Using a mixture of website and email communication together with mail delivery of certain course materials, TCS is expanding eSection and,through it,e-learning across the school.
Simply,the aim is to achieve the school ’s vision of being the leading provider of quality distance education at early childhood and all school
levels through innovative use of multimedia delivery.
eSection is the face of that vision.It uses the Internet as its primary medium but other digital developments such as CD-ROMs are also used.
Print-based resources still have a place in the mix, especially to cater for students who are not yet on-line or those without access to a PC.
Interactive and effective
For the school ’s 18,000 students,this mix means a far greater flexibility in meeting learning needs than has been possible in the past.
E-learning is also broadening the repertoire of teaching strategies and resources used by the school ’s teaching staff.
E-learning is proving especially effective because students can:
Develop and learn at different rates and in
different ways
Access learning resources at any place and at
any time
Interact with other TCS students throughout the
country.
The Correspondence School
Learner-Centred,Digitally Minded Contact details
The Correspondence School
Te Kura-a-Tuhi
11 Portland Crescent,Thorndon,Wellington
Private Bag 39992,Wellington,New Zealand
Call free 0800 659 988
Main telephone:04 473 6841
Fax:04 471 2406
Email:[email protected]
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