newsletter

As a Trust we have been talking about creating a newsletter so we can get our news items out to interested parties. Below is part of our first ever newsletter.....

Creating internet access for those without a phone line has been an issue at Taranaki E-Learning for some time. Taranaki E-Learning is the name of the trust that runs “Computers in Homes” and “Stepping Up” programmes in Taranaki and the King Country.

The “Computers in Homes” programme was designed some years ago with internet access through phone lines in mind. Cell phones have, in many cases, reduced the need for families to have a phone line connected to their homes. The cost of maintaining a little used phone line is too high. Unfortunately current internet providers use phone lines to deliver internet connections.

One possible solution is a radio based internet connection. This works best in a small locality with a number of people who want to connect to the internet.

A test is being carried out now on just such a new Internet connection idea in the Marfell district of New Plymouth.

If successful this new system will bypass the need for a phone line to access the internet. Further research to see if a wider group can gain access through the new system will be considered if the tests work within budget.

Costs are, of course a major concern for a Trust running on a very limited budget but new fund raising schemes are also being considered.

If early tests prove successful then, providing sufficient funding can be found this could  become an ongoing project for other areas where internet access is poor due to a lack of phone lines.

a comment from a student in the new class at Te Kuiti High

This is an email our coordinator recieved recently from a student that recently completed a Computers In Homes class at Te Kuiti High


"Kia ora Christina, ko Angel toku ingoa...unfortunately I didnt get to meet you in the first class, but I heard good things, especially encouraging computers in homes.

I joined up in the 2nd week. I have been without a computer in my home for 7 years now, my older children when attending collage were able to use our home computer for homework and was very handy. Now my younger tamariki are missing the opportunity. I have also forgotten the steps to operating a computer and have no idea how to send emails.

I jumped at the oportunity of joining this class and look forward to the learnings that will be made available to me and of course a home computer, my tamariki are wrapt, finally our own.

Our tutor Alan is the bomb, wish I had a teacher like him all those years ago hahaha, makes learning fun and goes at our pace without all the pressures and stressYip loving this class and am grateful for the computers in homes programme"Ka tauke" - Choice!...Thanks heeps...Ka Keets"