New provisions for school computers

Press, 6 July 1983, Page 3

New provisions for school computers

PA Auckland New provisions of computer education in schools were announced by the Minister of Education, Mr Wellington, yesterday. Mr Wellington told the secondary school principals’ national conference in Auckland that he had approved the establishment of a central computer development unit from February next year. Mr Wellington said that the unit would be staffed by two permanent officers and would second teachers from schools to work in the unit.

It would develop materials specifically for New Zealand schools and be instrumental in setting standards for educational computer courses. Mr Wellington said the unit would initially evaluate existing programmes and material in use in schools and provide information and advice on matters associated with the use of com-

puters in schools. Mr Wellington also paid tribute to the work of secondary teachers who coach and encourage sportsmen and women, many of whom subsequently reach international standing. He said teachers who sacrificed their time to serve young people in this way deserved greater recognition and encouragement. He added that he had considered possible reimbursement of Saturday travel expenses for teachers helping sports teams. Mr Wellington said these moves were caught for the moment by the wage-price freeze. The Minister expressed concern that the organisation of school sport too often fell on a few enthusiastic teachers. He had instructed his department to issue a circular drawing attention to the requirement that a teacher should be involved in extra-curricula activities.