www.edCentre.govt.nz – A new gateway to education information

A new internet portal called edCentre has been launched to provide quick, simple access to education information. The site has been designed for different audiences to help raise the level of understanding and awareness of education information that is publicly available in New Zealand.

"The new education portal – edCentre – provides people with a single gateway to information on education in New Zealand," said Associate Education Minister David Benson-Pope, who launched the portal on 25 January 2005.

"Helping people to access education information is a key part of the government's strategy to improve the educational achievement of New Zealanders."

Engaging and informing

edCentre supports New Zealand's overall education priorities of ensuring that New Zealanders engage in learning throughout their lives; and providing all New Zealanders with strong foundations for future learning.

It is an ideal starting point to quickly access relevant information on the 28 education websites and portals of the seven education agencies involved. No prior knowledge of the education sector, or technical capability, is required.

The edCentre portal has been specifically designed to meet the needs of different users. It has areas for parents, learners, educators, governance bodies, researchers and the community. It can:

By providing easier access to information, more people will be encouraged to seek educational opportunities.

"The edCentre for Parents section, for instance, is structured to help strengthen family and community involvement in learning.

"It offers access to comprehensive information for parents that can help them plan their children's education and help them to understand what their children are doing at whatever stage of the education system," said David Benson-Pope.

edCentre is one of the many ways in which people can access education information, alongside print, the telephone and face-to-face services. People who prefer to use the web to seek information will find it time-saving and cost-effective.

Meeting the needs of different users

edCentre users can choose their profile from either the audience groups in the tabs at the top of every web page or in the links on the left of the homepage.

edCentre for Parents contains information to help parents find educational services and to support them to make key decisions and choices throughout their child's education. edCentre for Parents is divided into three areas, Early Childhood, School Years and Beyond School, to steer parents to information that is relevant to the stage their child is at.

edCentre for Learners is the gateway to information and advice to help people studying. Learners can find information ranging from study help at home to thinking about and choosing tertiary education, and information on extra-curricular activities. Learners can research educational opportunities from school years through to adult education.

edCentre for Educators aims to help all teachers and educators find the relevant information, support and services that they need – including professional development, help with curriculum and student issues, and on the educators' role in their educational community.

edCentre on Governance provides access to information and services for those involved in governance and management roles in education organisations. Those roles can involve complex regulatory and planning requirements as well as require information on staffing, curriculum and other educational policy areas relevant to their governance role.

edCentre for Researchers points to research literature about education. Its special focus is on New Zealand educational research with links ranging from statistical surveys to legislation and policy papers. It will also lead users to links to research institutions and associations, and funding information including awards, fellowships and other assistance.

edCentre for Community is for groups in the wider community who may have a special interest in education from time-to-time. It includes information about education for the business community, for international learners seeking accommodation and language information, for ethnic groups with particular educational requirements and for the wider public in general.

In addition to these six audience-specific areas, edCentre also features sections containing news, events, and other tools and resources.

Looking ahead

The portal is one of a series of information technology projects on which the education sector is working collaboratively, to ensure that New Zealanders – be they parents, learners or educators – can access the information they need. The launch of edCentre is the first phase of a longer-term plan. The success and usability of edCentre will be measured and evaluated, for example through user surveys, and the findings will inform its future development.

"Like all websites, edCentre will evolve and grow over time, which will enable the education agencies involved to customise information to those needing it," said David Benson-Pope.

Links for further information

edCentre is a joint initiative of the • Career Services rapuara • Education Review Office • Ministry of Education • National Library of New Zealand • New Zealand Qualifications Authority • New Zealand Teachers Council • Tertiary Education Commission