Cognition

“The best bit by far the variety and depth of keynote and other speakers. These provided a link with industry an overview of current and future trends and opportunities for students, the country. At a time of rapid flux in resources and organisation of society it is inspiring to spend time with talented visionaries.”

“The practical workshops were great and I enjoyed the keynote speakers. It was great to be around a number of DT teachers throughout NZ and discuss ideas. It was so great to meet other DT teachers in my region, and gather ideas and share emails to keep in touch. I came back with lots of ideas for 2011.”  

Michael King (Cognition Education) addressing the DT symposium delegates

 “I found the keynote speakers quite inspiring. It was good to get a sense of where DT is in the outside world; it enables me to design relevant programmes for my students. It was also great to network with other DT teachers and hopefully I will be able to learn from their experiences (we will be offering DT for the first time next year).”

“The highlight was the strong and consistent message coming through - the integration of Computing, Technology education, awareness of the environment and the needs of the future.”

“Hearing all the speakers and learning what is happening out in the real world was really helpful. It was also great getting some help with ideas for courses and being able to learn something new (CCS) on the last day. A really good symposium, very positive, and knowing that we are not the only school struggling with the new curriculum.”

“The highlights were the keynote speakers and their enthusiasm towards our subject area, where it leads to and the vast opportunities. It was sooooo great to hear them talk about the need for our students to be DT savvy and to confirm this as a subject and the obvious curriculum links it has. I found them all great. There was a good array of areas they come from and are currently involved in. The workshops were good too.”

“It is hard to pick out one thing that was the highlight. The program overall was excellent. I found the mix of seminars and industry speakers all informative and interesting. I only regret I did not have the opportunity to take more of the seminars as I missed several that I would have liked to attend.”

“Overall the symposium was very good value for money. The venue, close to the airport, was very convenient and very comfortable. I look forward to putting some of the stuff I learned about into practice with my students. Thanks for all your hard work. Having run a national conference this year I appreciate all the work that goes on unnoticed behind the scenes to make everything run smoothly.”

“Many thanks to Tracy and the rest of the organisers. These new DT standards are like a dream coming true! ALL the people who helped make this possible and ensured that it became a reality deserve unlimited kudos from teachers all over the country. I cannot make enough positive comments about the hard work and commitment they have all put into this project. Now our kids can 'reap the rewards' from all the effort these people have diligently put into moving our subjects forward! THANK YOU ALL VERY MUCH!”

Edwina Mistry, a Senior Lecturer from MIT and NZICT CEO Brett O’Riley

A wide range of targeted workshops. It was difficult to cover everything I needed to, but within our cluster I think we have got most of them. We will meet next week to share our notes and thoughts. Some inspiring and thought provoking keynote speakers. A very challenging but worthwhile three days.

“I commend you for all the organising, the warm welcoming and the interaction with industry. The keynote speakers were well thought out and all offered interesting views and experiences. The food was fantastic, haven't been soooo well fed at such an event. The Holiday Inn staff were also really hospitable and friendly. Well done!”

“Excellent program and the best professional development I have had in four years of teaching. Many thanks to the sponsors and the Ministry of Education for the seminars!”

“Thanks to all the people who organised such an awesome event. My school doesn't realise how lucky I was to be able to attend. I must encourage more to attend the next event.”

“Overall a thoroughly enjoyable conference - very well run (good effort Cognition) and a very big thank you to all of the industry partners for their support. I feel we all want the same thing, more students participating in IT and Technology, seeing them as a viable career opportunity. The biggest barrier now will be teachers' experience, knowledge and confidence as well as time. So any ongoing support from the tertiary sector as well as industry will be vital. Also whatever can be done to raise the profile is important - It may mean we have to look at doing things differently. The traditional 1 hour teaching periods is a bit of a barrier to implement a number of the more interesting initiatives so we may have to look at alternatives.”

“I went to the Symposium as a curriculum leader, rather than as an ICT specialist, but got a lot out of the Symposium. It has given me a sense of direction for the school and gives me the chance to support the HOD ICT with the work he has ahead of him.”