This blog is not being updated whilst we await renewal of funding.
Please visit 2020.nz or computersinhomes.nz for latest news or follow us on twitter at https://twitter.com/2020trustnzThank you
Bill Dashfield
20/20 web maestro
Thursday, June 28, 2018
Sunday, May 28, 2017
One of the more unusual incidents in the life of Computers in Homes coordinator......
Something that you don't see every day!
We traveled to Mangakino to visit the new Computers in Homes class starting there, and were stopped twice by the Police and Armed Defenders Squad. The car was searched and we were cautioned not to pick up hitchhikers. See story HERE
Tutor Andy Gray from Mangakino Area School told us that the school had been in lockdown all day, and he was unsure if any of the parents enrolled in the Computers in Homes class would show up that evening. He turned out to be right!
Classes in Hawera and Eltham
Taranaki has two Computers in Homes classes currently in training, with both of them graduating soon.
Along with learning to use a computer, these students are concentrating on safety online for them and their families, as well as keeping their computer safe and clear of net nasties.
With the increase in internet scams and the latest ransomware scam doing the rounds at the moment, it's even more important that Computers in Homes families know how to recognise what's harmful teach their children how to protect themselves online.
Along with learning to use a computer, these students are concentrating on safety online for them and their families, as well as keeping their computer safe and clear of net nasties.
With the increase in internet scams and the latest ransomware scam doing the rounds at the moment, it's even more important that Computers in Homes families know how to recognise what's harmful teach their children how to protect themselves online.
Monday, December 12, 2016
December = Graduations
Three, to be precise.
This month, 20 people graduated in a lovely ceremony at Central King Country REAP in Taumarunui.
Eight people graduated at Central Plateau REAP in Taupo. This Graduation was a first for me as regional Coordinator - I was unable to attend, so Linda, Jude and I set up a Google Hangout, and I was able to be there virtually. Apart from seeing some ceiling at times, and missing out the the exceptional food, it was very successful.
Several of the students were able to spend some time one on one with me to talk.
Tomorrow, eight more people will graduate in Hawera.
This month, 20 people graduated in a lovely ceremony at Central King Country REAP in Taumarunui.
Eight people graduated at Central Plateau REAP in Taupo. This Graduation was a first for me as regional Coordinator - I was unable to attend, so Linda, Jude and I set up a Google Hangout, and I was able to be there virtually. Apart from seeing some ceiling at times, and missing out the the exceptional food, it was very successful.
Several of the students were able to spend some time one on one with me to talk.
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| Graduation attendance virtual reality style - Deputy Mayor Rosie Harvey congratulates the Computers in Homes graduates. |
Tomorrow, eight more people will graduate in Hawera.
Tuesday, November 22, 2016
Worried about Cyberbullying? See what NETSAFE NZ is doing.
Netsafe has launched a new service in New Zealand to help combat increasing levels of cyberbullying.
From November 21st, if you are being bullied or harassed online, or know or suspect someone you know is the victim of cyberbullying, Netsafe provides a free calling service to offer help and advice.
This is great news for parents who are worried about the effects of bullying on their children, particularly online threats.
The free phone number is 0508 NETSAFE.
Please click on the link to read the full article, published by Netguide.
Tuesday, October 25, 2016
Mobile Wifi device to the rescue!
Recently, a Computers in Homes class was interrupted when the Hawera Star building where classes were being run was closed down after a recent earthquake. We had two hours to remove everything from the building.
A temporary venue was found, classes were resumed and students graduated on schedule.
However, there was no internet access at the temporary venue.
So Ian Andrew, our Taranaki technician, set up a mobile pod of 11 laptops and sourced a mobile wifi device so students could access the internet and continue their learning.
TP-Link's AC750 (pictured) is able to connect up to 30 devices on the 4G network, and despite some limitations with concrete walls interrupting the signal, it runs surprisingly efficiently.
Data comes from 2degrees' mobile data plan, 12GB for $99.
A temporary venue was found, classes were resumed and students graduated on schedule.
However, there was no internet access at the temporary venue.
So Ian Andrew, our Taranaki technician, set up a mobile pod of 11 laptops and sourced a mobile wifi device so students could access the internet and continue their learning.
TP-Link's AC750 (pictured) is able to connect up to 30 devices on the 4G network, and despite some limitations with concrete walls interrupting the signal, it runs surprisingly efficiently.
Data comes from 2degrees' mobile data plan, 12GB for $99.
Thursday, September 29, 2016
Graduation at Central Plateau REAP, Taupo
Pania and her children are flanked by Taupo Mayor David Trewavas (right) and Barry Kerr, (left) General Manager for Central Plateau REAP
Eight Computers in Homes families graduated last Monday night at a bitter-sweet ceremony at Central Plateau Reap.
Everyone was happy to be taking their computers home, but no one was happy that the course was ended and they wouldn't be getting together again on Monday nights. There were hugs and promises to keep in touch as Graduation progressed, while the kids were just anxious to get home to play on their new laptops or desktop computers!
Mayor David Trewavas popped in briefly to congratulate the graduates and present their certificates, and Barry Kerr, General Manager Central Plateau REAP spoke about how important it is for families to have access to the internet at home. He said he was lucky to have had a great childhood and was able to complete a good education to help him get ahead in life, but sometimes, other people are not so lucky. He congratulated the successful graduates for putting in the effort and time to do the Computers in Homes course for their children's benefit. And, of course, for themselves.
For the first time, we ran a creche alongside the Computers in Homes course, and two remarkable ladies looked after several children while their parents learned how to use a computer. Some of the parents told me that they would not have been able to complete the course if it wasn't for the creche.
Tutor Jude Sherning said that all of the students put a lot of effort into making a Powerpoint presentation, and several outstanding presentations were shown as part of the Graduation. Jude recounted how, at the last class, when students were putting final touches on their presentations, all the children came in to show their parents their presentations! It turns out that the creche ladies were also teaching the kids how to use a computer! Unfortunately, we didn't get to view the kids' presentations!
Two new CIH courses have been offered at CP REAP for Term Four and registrations are open now.
Sunday, August 28, 2016
Current Classes in Hawera and Taupo
We have two classes running at the moment - one at the Hawera CTC and the other at Central Plateau REAP in Taupo.
Both classes have only 3-4 weeks till Graduation, and everyone is working hard and looking forward to taking their computer home.
Another class is due to start in Taumarunui at Central King Country REAP in about two weeks. Please contact CKC Reap if you live in the area and are interested in becoming part of our Computers in Homes family.
Call 07 896-8680 and ask for a Computers in Homes registration form.
You are eligible is you do not have an internet-capable computer at home, if you have school-aged children living with you, and you or a member of your household has not already done a CIH course.
Both classes have only 3-4 weeks till Graduation, and everyone is working hard and looking forward to taking their computer home.
Another class is due to start in Taumarunui at Central King Country REAP in about two weeks. Please contact CKC Reap if you live in the area and are interested in becoming part of our Computers in Homes family.
Call 07 896-8680 and ask for a Computers in Homes registration form.
You are eligible is you do not have an internet-capable computer at home, if you have school-aged children living with you, and you or a member of your household has not already done a CIH course.
Tuesday, July 26, 2016
Graduation Speech July 2016
This is CIH Graduation Speech from a Graduate of one of our latest classes in Hawera
For those of you that do not know me, My name is Janey Hardy. I found out about the Computers in Homes course through a friend. I in turn told another friend and together with six other students we are all graduating today.
Firstly I would like to thank Ian Andrews and Christina Turner for there constant support and encouragement throughout these past 8 weeks.
Before I started this course I only knew one person apart from the coordinator Christina. But within the hours of 9:30-12 every Tues for 8 weeks I have not only learnt a lot about the basic operations of a computer, but I have made solid friendships with others in the same life situation as me.
Trio, Kylie, Charlie, Chardon, Chilli, Toia, Sandra and myself have gained more than just a simple certificate in computing. We have gained the necessary skills needed to pass on the knowledge to our children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
So this course has not only been of benefit to ourselves but for our whole whanau.
For those of you that do not know me, My name is Janey Hardy. I found out about the Computers in Homes course through a friend. I in turn told another friend and together with six other students we are all graduating today.
Firstly I would like to thank Ian Andrews and Christina Turner for there constant support and encouragement throughout these past 8 weeks.
Before I started this course I only knew one person apart from the coordinator Christina. But within the hours of 9:30-12 every Tues for 8 weeks I have not only learnt a lot about the basic operations of a computer, but I have made solid friendships with others in the same life situation as me.
Trio, Kylie, Charlie, Chardon, Chilli, Toia, Sandra and myself have gained more than just a simple certificate in computing. We have gained the necessary skills needed to pass on the knowledge to our children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
So this course has not only been of benefit to ourselves but for our whole whanau.
Monday, July 18, 2016
Graduation in Hawera
Friday, May 20, 2016
Spark: Good news for Taranaki
This recent article from Netguide
Taranaki Reaps the Benefits
Spark has rolled out 4G across existing cell cites in the Taranaki region, the telecommunications firm revealed today.
The move enables Taranaki residents to have better access to Spark mobile coverage.
Colin Brown, general manager of Networks for Spark, says the vastly improved mobile network will allow locals and visitors to the area to stay constantly connected with family, friends and colleagues.
“We’re always looking to improve access to mobile coverage across New Zealand and we’re excited that Taranaki is now able to access the benefits of 4G,” Brown says.
Click for full storyTaranaki Reaps the Benefits
Two New Classes running in Taupo and Turangi
Two Computers in Homes classes in the Taupo area began training at the beginning of May.
Tongariro Area School in Turangi is hosting the class of ten families. Their trainer, Dion Nurse, is very capable and popular.
Comments from Dion's students:
Ki a ora Christina and Dion,
I have already learnt a lot in tonights lesson.
Thank you. I am very grateful.
In today's lesson I finished filling and signing the forms required. We talked about internet browsers, how to bookmark ( new to me), tabs, security when logging in. Thank you for the opportunity to learn. Engari, Dion, you are the bomb, churr for the tuition.
Nga mihinui atu ki a korua
Kia ora Christina.raua ko Dion. Nga mihi ki a korua.
I wish to take this opportunity to thank you for the chance in advancing my knowledge to do with Computers.
I need to keep up - especially with my grand children, and tertiary studies, as well as other areas.
Looking forward to the challenge.
No reira
Heoi ano
Whaea
And in Taupo, another nine families are training at Central Plateau Reap. They are excited to learn more about how to use a computer and they and their children are looking forward to graduation day, when they can take their computers home.
Tongariro Area School in Turangi is hosting the class of ten families. Their trainer, Dion Nurse, is very capable and popular.
Comments from Dion's students:
Ki a ora Christina and Dion,
I have already learnt a lot in tonights lesson.
Thank you. I am very grateful.
In today's lesson I finished filling and signing the forms required. We talked about internet browsers, how to bookmark ( new to me), tabs, security when logging in. Thank you for the opportunity to learn. Engari, Dion, you are the bomb, churr for the tuition.
Nga mihinui atu ki a korua
Kia ora Christina.raua ko Dion. Nga mihi ki a korua.
I wish to take this opportunity to thank you for the chance in advancing my knowledge to do with Computers.
I need to keep up - especially with my grand children, and tertiary studies, as well as other areas.
Looking forward to the challenge.
No reira
Heoi ano
Whaea
And in Taupo, another nine families are training at Central Plateau Reap. They are excited to learn more about how to use a computer and they and their children are looking forward to graduation day, when they can take their computers home.
Friday, February 12, 2016
Graduation at Central Plateau REAP, Taupo
On December 10th, 2015, eight people graduated from their Computers in Homes course.
Why we need a computer (or laptop) to access the internet for learning.
Many low-income students use only their phone to get online. What are they missing?
What do students miss when they access the Internet only through mobile devices?
Friday, July 3, 2015
Graduation at Eltham 3/7/15
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| Karen and Mary congratulate our graduate |
Karen and Jane with graduates
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| Graduate Tyson excited to take his computer home |
Sunday, June 28, 2015
A letter from a Computers in Homes Student
20 June 2015
Hello Christina
This is Ngaire from the first term Thursday course Tongariro
School. I thought i would let you know that i am taking another course up at
the Literacy Centre Turangi and i have been so surprised at how much i have
recalled from doing the CIH one.
I have been on the course with Dion for four weeks now with
another six to go and enjoying everything that we are doing. I am looking at
doing another course at the centre again after this one finishes.
So Christina i am just keeping you in the loop to what i am
up to as i think i was the only one who never had any computer skills to talk
about, but i now am feeling a lot more confident about it.
Thank You
Ngaire
Dear Ngaire
Oh, that is so great to hear, Ngaire. Thank you for letting
me know.
Do you mind if I put your letter on our Facebook page? It's
such exciting news.
Regards,
Christina
Hello Christina
No i do not mind you putting my letter on our Facebook page
as i feel there others like me who may be uplifted by my comments and carry on
with the CIH course and know there are other avenues to continue learning about
computers.
So Christina thank you for replying and it has given me an
eagerness to carry on with gusto with my computer course.
Thankyou
Ngaire
Sunday, May 24, 2015
Parihaka's Sustainable Energy project
Five of our Computers in Homes families will be taking part in a sustainable energy project being set up at Parihaka.
The sustainable energy project will be looking at where and how Parihaka residents use power in their homes, and researcher Josh Curd is using the internet to collect data over a 12 month period.
Ten Parihaka families will have a small device installed, which will then send incremental data to a central hub for collection and analysis. Five of our families agreed to be part of the project. They were chosen because they have an internet connection, which is part of their Computers in Homes experience.
Four of the other five houses do not have internet connected, so CIH Champion, Charissa Waerea put in a call to our Computers in Homes tech, Ian Andrew, to see if he had a solution to the problem: "how can information be collected from homes with no internet?"
He did! Ian took a look at the devices that Josh will be using, the map of the houses and the distance from house to house, and reassured Josh that his equipment is capable of transmitting data from those houses to the Education House where the central control computer will be, without the need for those families to pay for an internet connection that they don't want.
The project, called Taiepa Tiketike Sustainable Energy Research, is a collaboration between Parihaka Papakainga Trust, Te Puni Kokiri, Massey University, Otago University and PowerCo. The data collected will help Parihaka decide how to best provide power to their community into the future.
The sustainable energy project will be looking at where and how Parihaka residents use power in their homes, and researcher Josh Curd is using the internet to collect data over a 12 month period.
Ten Parihaka families will have a small device installed, which will then send incremental data to a central hub for collection and analysis. Five of our families agreed to be part of the project. They were chosen because they have an internet connection, which is part of their Computers in Homes experience.
Four of the other five houses do not have internet connected, so CIH Champion, Charissa Waerea put in a call to our Computers in Homes tech, Ian Andrew, to see if he had a solution to the problem: "how can information be collected from homes with no internet?"
He did! Ian took a look at the devices that Josh will be using, the map of the houses and the distance from house to house, and reassured Josh that his equipment is capable of transmitting data from those houses to the Education House where the central control computer will be, without the need for those families to pay for an internet connection that they don't want.
The project, called Taiepa Tiketike Sustainable Energy Research, is a collaboration between Parihaka Papakainga Trust, Te Puni Kokiri, Massey University, Otago University and PowerCo. The data collected will help Parihaka decide how to best provide power to their community into the future.
Friday, May 22, 2015
Say NO to higher internet charges
This message from Spark was in my inbox:
We think broadband charges should be going down, not up. But the Commerce Commission is proposing to increase what Chorus can charge all service providers (including Spark) to connect you to the internet. These charges make up around half your monthly bill. If you agree with us and think New Zealanders deserve better value internet, go toBeCounted.org.nz to find out what’s going on and send a message to the Commerce Commission to reduce charges for broadband.
If you agree, click the link and BECOUNTED
Monday, April 27, 2015
New Computers in Homes classes in May
We are starting new computer classes in Hawera, Eltham and Opunake in the first week of May.
The Eltham/'Stratford class is full, but there are one or two places left on the Hawera class and about five left at Opunake.
Computers in Homes is for families who don't have an internet-capable computer at home for their children to use for homework, learning, surfing the net .... and playing games.
The Eltham/'Stratford class is full, but there are one or two places left on the Hawera class and about five left at Opunake.
Computers in Homes is for families who don't have an internet-capable computer at home for their children to use for homework, learning, surfing the net .... and playing games.
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| Computer classes are for the kids too! |
Thursday, April 16, 2015
Tongariro Area School held their Graduation at Literacy Turangi
Seventeen students graduated their Computers in Homes course recently.
It might have been April Fool's Day, but seventeen families from Tongariro Area School went home with a computer.
In a departure from the norm, Literacy Turangi partnered with the school to deliver this Computers in Homes course. Families spent the last two lessons at Literacy Turangi where they were able to learn on their own computers, how to set it up, how to use a USB stick and more!
It might have been April Fool's Day, but seventeen families from Tongariro Area School went home with a computer.
In a departure from the norm, Literacy Turangi partnered with the school to deliver this Computers in Homes course. Families spent the last two lessons at Literacy Turangi where they were able to learn on their own computers, how to set it up, how to use a USB stick and more!
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| Some of the seventeen graduates and their whanau |
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| Keynote speaker, Tongariro Area School Principal Steve Allen |
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| Two Tutor/Technicians talking shop! |
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| Dion Nurse - Turangi's tutor. Very lucky to find this young man. |
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| After accepting his mother's certificate, this young man perused all the computers to choose the one he wanted. We made sure he got it! |
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| Beautiful carvings on the wall above some of the Computers in Homes computers. |
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