Digital Technology at Tirimoana

New Zealand is a digital nation. Digital technologies are going to be an intimate part of our society and economy in years to come. Here at Tirimoana, we understand that we have a role in helping prepare our learners to participate, create and thrive in this fast-moving digital world.

Digital Technologies is about teaching our learners how technology works, and how they can use that knowledge to solve problems. Tirimoana School is continuing this journey of learning as we realise the importance of teaching our learners about computer science principles that all digital technologies are built on. We believe our learners will benefit from having these future thinking skills.

So what are Digital technologies? They can help us to solve problems, work together with friends, and communicate. More and more people need digital technology skills and knowledge to succeed, whether we want to make robots, be a politician, or a farmer!

Here are some examples of how digital technologies can be used:

• farmers use drones to find out where their crops need watering
• engineers use satellite maps to help them plan where to build their structures
• fire-fighters use heat-sensing equipment to find out where the fire is hottest so that they can put it out faster
• Team NZ's shore crew made equipment for the sailors to use to make the best tactical decisions, sail the fastest, and win the America's Cup.

At Tirimoana, we have a range of digital devices that are available for our learners throughout the school. These devices are used as one of many tools to enhance learning in all curriculum areas including literacy and numeracy. However, learners can learn about digital technologies without using digital devices.