March 2025 Newsletter
- GCSN
- Mar 12
- 3 min read
Kia ora,
He rau ringa e oti ai
Many hands make light work
Term 1 is flying by and we hope you are excited about the what the rest of the school year holds!
We would like to share some new opportunities for schools/kura focused on building learners' digital literacy skills and utilising generative AI to safely and responsibly support teaching and learning in new, innovative ways. These opportunities include the Libraries learning programmes for ākonga to build their digital fluency skills and brand new generative AI resources for educators.
Read on to learn about our fully funded Libraries programmes, how to get involved, and the resources available to support educators and schools/kura to meaningfully integrate generative AI in the classroom.
Noho ora mai rā,
The GCSN Team
Brand new genAI resources!
We have created three workshops for kaiako to support them to meaningfully integrate generative AI (genAI) in the classroom in innovative and effective ways while ensuring it is used safely and responsibly. The first explores what genAI is and what it means for schools/kura. The second discusses safety and ethical considerations of genAI and how it can support learning. The third workshop is focused on practical ways genAI can be integrated into the classroom to support learning, not replace it.
The workshops can be completed sequentially to provide deeper understanding of how genAI can be used to support learners and how educators can utilise it in safe, beneficial ways.
Each workshop can be used as self-directed PLD or to guide staff PLD.
To further support the meaningful integration of genAI to support learning the GCSN has created dedicated resources for schools and kura to engage in PLD around AI in education. Our new resources include:
Tools to help with curriculum integration and the development of learning activities including learning ideas, a project rubric, a guide for linking AI tools to the literacy curiculum, and a creative writing AI activity.
A new printable handout, AI and Creativity, with key points for using genAI without stifling creativity.
A printable activity to support schools/kura to identify genAI-related concerns.
A sample Responsible Use Agreement that can be tailored to reflect your school. It can be co-created with students as a guide.
These resources can be used for self-directed PD or the basis of group PLD led by your school.
Christchurch City Libraries School Programmes
Partnering with the Christchurch City Libraries Design and Delivery team, we are proud to support a range of PLD opportunities designed to upskill ākonga, kaiako and schools to use digital technologies in new and creative ways. These programmes are closely aligned to the New Zealand Curriculum and enable ākonga and kaiako to access support from the Christchurch City Libraries team to develop their digital capabilities.
Creative Design
A full day programme where students will learn to create vector artwork using the software Affinity Designer. Select one specific product for students to design for, such as a T-shirt, poster, laptop cover, stickers, or tote bag. Ākonga will apply their designs to the chosen product, gaining hands-on experience with digital design and print production techniques.
Crafting Empathy: Minecraft
Through their efforts to collaboratively build a village in Minecraft Education Edition, ākonga will personally experience frustration, resilience, and privilege in a safe environment. Library staff will then facilitate a conversation where students can share their experiences and explore what it means to be up standers at school and in their own lives.
Podcasting Essentials
Ākonga will take a practical, hands-on approach to podcast creation, learning essential skills in writing a script for a targeted audience, setting up a podcasting desk and using audio software. The session includes script writing in small groups, recording and production techniques.
Miniature Maker
Embark on a hero’s journey with our Miniature Maker workshop! Ākonga will develop a character through creative writing, design a 3D model, create a background and laser cut a terrain tile inspired by their story. The session includes an approximately one to two-hour miniature painting session back at school.
Coding Creations
Coming soon...
Please reach out if you have questions about what these opportunities will look like, how to access them, and how they might support teaching and learning at your school/kura.
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