How to make the most of (Ministry) Funded Tools

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Technology has come a long way in the last ten years and the MoE approach has shifted a lot, too. For a long time, they primarily funded Microsoft tools and effectively ignored that schools were using other platforms, such as Google. This changed a couple of years ago giving schools and kura more choice. In turn, Microsoft sharpened their pencil and improved their deal. The winners: schools and kura. But now, there is way more choice.

For a while, schools identified as “Google” or “Microsoft” schools. The best value and efficacy is to use both platforms judiciously. That might mean using Google for most things, plus a couple of Microsoft tools like Minecraft and Whiteboard. Horses for courses, as they say. 

Which tools does the Ministry fund?

The list is long, and tends to change year to year, so here’s a list of the important ones: 

Microsoft

  • The basics: Email, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, OneDrive and SharePoint 
  • Minecraft Education Edition 
  • Microsoft Whiteboard (this is important because Google is shutting down Jamboard next year) 
  • Teams – many school are using this for their phone system 
  • InTune – an MDM (Mobile Device Management) for windows computers 
  • Enhanced Security – logins can be limited to Aotearoa, staff logins can require text message codes, and antivirus software is included. There are alerts for compromised accounts and spam reports.  

  • The basics: Mail, Docs, Sheets, Slides, Drive, Google Classroom 
  • Chrome Management license – an MDM for Chromebooks (schools used to have to pay for this) 
  • Google Workspace upgrade – improved Google Classroom and Google Meets (schools used to have to pay for this) 
  • Similar enhanced security features to Microsoft.  

What do they not fund?

There are a couple of things that stick out.  

  • The MoE don’t fund an effective MDM for iPads. Some schools use InTune, but we haven’t found that at all effective.  
  • The MoE don’t fund backup. Most of our schools have asked us to setup DATTO, which backs up all teacher emails and files. This is a no-brainer.

Next steps for schools

What you absolutely need to do right now is: 

  • Check if you have the Google Workspace upgrade. It enables some great features in Google Classroom that kaiako will notice immediately.  
  • Apply for Regionally Allocated PLD. It takes 1-2 hours to work with one of our facilitators to write a proposal. If successful, that will get one of our team investing in your kaiako for 50-200 hours.  

There’s a lot to unpack here, and that’s why our experts are invaluable for making decisions. Get in touch to talk to an expert about the tools your school is using, or how you can make the best use of what is being funded.

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Hi, I'm Janet

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I have been working for TTS for the past 7 years assisting schools with their technology infrastructure and digital alignment with the MoE.

Before that I was completing a Batchelors of Business with a major in Management and a Graduate Diploma in Business Administration, I worked in Massey University tutoring, relief lecturing, and marking in the business college while also being a director of a small software company. I also previously held roles as sales manager in the corporate world.

Within the professional learning environment, I specialise in assisting schools with strategic management, change management and leadership. These are all challenging areas that often require specific planning and implementation. Change is not only synonymous with technology but is part of the daily environment in education and embracing change can be a daunting. My goal is to assist schools to feel comfortable and accepting of necessary change.

Hi, I'm Caroline

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I have worked in Education for over 25 years in early childhood, primary, intermediate, secondary and currently at a tertiary level. During that time, I led many diverse roles including being a teacher aide, a teacher, a co-counsellor and an adult educator. I have a post-graduate diploma in Teaching as well as a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Education. In 2022, I completed a Master in Contemporary Teaching through The Mindlab.
 
Currently a lecturer in Unitec, Te Pūkenga on a foundation course for ākonga with disability and/ or neurodiversity, I had spent the last four years working in a specialist residential school for ākonga with extreme behaviours. Throughout this time, I researched, trialled and implemented trauma-informed practices to help support ākonga who had previously disengaged from education to re-engage.
 
My passion for trying to grow resilience and self-efficacy in ākonga runs alongside a passion for using digital applications/ techniques, personalised learning and gamerfication for encouraging and increasing engagement.

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I am a graphic and digital designer with nearly 20 years experience designing for the digital realm. I have a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Visual Communication, a Certificate in Computer Engineering and am a certified Adobe Creative Educator.

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I am a primary trained teacher with over 20 years’ experience finding new ways to effectively implement digital technologies into the classroom. I have always been passionate about finding and utilising digital tools within my class, and I enjoy exploring the internet to find new tools and learn about new ways in which other educators use digital technologies to best support their students.

I believe that is it important to find the right tools for you and your students as every class and school is different. Digital tools and technologies change rapidly and what may not have been suitable in the past could be just what you need now. I look forward to working with and supporting you to find and implement the best digital technologies for your specific learning environment.

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I am a primary teacher of 30+ years experience covering all year levels from 1-8. I believe in “lifelong learning” and am passionate about encouraging teachers to be facilitators of their learning, and that of their students. I believe knowing when, what, why and how to implement digital tools to fit the purpose of “the teaching and learning” is essential today. I believe relationships are intrinsic in education, connecting people with tools/resources for teaching and learning, and how they support creativity, collaboration and innovation.

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Michael is a teacher with 8 years classroom experience, and has taught students from years 1 through to 8. He has a bachelor of teaching and continues to learn through post-graduate studies. Michael is passionate about literacy education, and how reading and writing can – and should – be made accessible and interesting for all learners in schools. As a teacher, he recognises the need for resources that engage, enable, and empower students so they can achieve a meaningful, successful, and sustainable education.

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