Derek’s Blog, launched in 2003, serves as a platform for sharing thoughts and reflections related to his work. It offers over 20 years of searchable posts, categorized by the tags below. Feel free to comment, as your feedback contributes to ongoing reflection and future posts.
December 17, 2023
In a recent post I described some of the things I’d heard and reflected on during the webinar launch of the OECD’s Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) 2022 Aotearoa New Zealand results. This was hosted by the Educational Partnerships and Innovation Trust (EPIT) on on Wednesday 6 December. (you can read their release here). […]
Read more...July 30, 2022
“The COVID-19 pandemic has created the largest disruption of education systems in history… The crisis is exacerbating pre-existing education disparities by reducing the opportunities for many of the most vulnerable children, youth, and adults…. On the other hand, this crisis has stimulated innovation within the education sector”. UN Policy Brief August 2020 Many of us […]
Read more...May 30, 2014
After what seems a very long period in gestation, Minister Nikki Kaye today released the report of the reference group that I have been a part of, titled Future Focused Learning In Connected Communities. The report outlines ten priorities for equipping learners with 21st century skills and digital competencies. But it is not simply another set […]
Read more...July 13, 2013
Wahoo! After much experimentation, our book,'eLearnings: Implementing a national strategy for ICT in education' is now available online through Amazon for the Kindle. Few countries in the world have embarked on such an ambitious approach to a national ICT strategy for schools as New Zealand. This book archives the impact and implementation of the national […]
Read more...July 30, 2012
The long-awaited 100-day plan has been released tonight, revealing what is planned for the re-development of the centre of the city in which I live after it was devastated by earthquakes. The video above, which appears on the Christchurch Central Recovery Unit's website, provides a graphic illustration of what is being planned. excellent use of […]
Read more...May 15, 2012
The Ministry of Education released their draft Renewal Plan for Christchurch last week, outlining the strategy for what will happen for education in CHCH over the next few years in the wake of what happened to schools following the devastating earthquakes here last year. These left many school buildings destroyed and in need of rebuilding, […]
Read more...January 8, 2012
My last day of camping at the beach for my summer break was interrupted by a phone call from Andrew Patterson at Radio Live wanting to interview me regarding an article in the New York Times titled Teachers Resist High-Tech Push in Idaho Schools. (unfortunately their 7-day Catch-up feature isn't working so a recording of the interview doesn't seem to […]
Read more...November 10, 2011
Professional development is a hot topic in schools when I'm working with curriculum leaders and principals, looking at how to effect long term, meaningful and sustainable change in schools. In the weeks following the ULearn conference in Rotorua, I've had several principals comment to me how significant it can be for groups of staff from […]
Read more...July 26, 2011
The recent announcement of the appointment of Lesley Longstone as the new Secretary of Education for New Zealand has gone relatively un-noticed here in NZ, possibly because of the more pressing issues that face us here such as coping with the earthquake aftermath – plus she's not due to take up the position until November […]
Read more...May 1, 2011
At the recent hui for the National Aspiring Principals Progamme (NAPP) I had an opportunity to reflect on the history of the adoption of ICTs in New Zealand schools and the significance of this for school leaders and aspiring principals. When we are in the midst of such rapid change we sometimes lose sight of […]
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