About Connected Ako#

The Connected Ako: Digital and Data for Learning strategy was engaged by:

• the Education Sector Stewardship Forum
• the Chief Executives of education agencies, and
• associated entities.

While education agencies advance their own work programmes, we are most effective when there is agreement on the high-level direction and aims of the education digital ecosystem.

The strategy provides:

• A planned, deliberate approach to digital and data across education agencies.
• Effective digital and data contribution to learning and teaching.
• Alignment with the Government’s Digital Strategy for Aotearoa.

How the strategy was developed#

When developing the scope of the strategy there were many important considerations:

• Barriers to access – making sure learners of all ages can benefit from high quality online and flexible learning opportunities.
• Shared data – a trusted data ecosystem with the learners and those who support their learning at its heart.
• Coordinating digital approaches – a planned deliberate approach to promoting digital innovation, partnering with educators, interested stakeholders and the EdTech sector to support New Zealand’s education system and create international economic opportunities.
• Lessons from COVID-19 – capturing and learning from the innovations and disruptions of the pandemic
• Cyber security – protecting learners, providers and the integrity of data.
• Education in context – alignment with the Government’s overarching Digital Strategy for Aotearoa, recognising that the education system is a vital link to ensure current and future learners are equipped for digital futures in their lives and careers.

Who we engaged with#

The development of the strategy included engagement with officials from government agencies, education experts, peak body representatives and others.

Engagement with Māori included successive discussions with the Mātauranga Iwi Leaders Group, the Te Rito working groups (Ngā Rau Whakatupu) as well as Te Aka Toitū Trust working with the Minginui school and community. Internal engagement included discussions with the Te Pou Hanganga, Matihiko Pou Ārahi and members of Te Tuarongo.

Broader government agency involvement included the Department of Internal Affairs, the Ministry for Business Innovation and Employment, the Ministry for Pacific Peoples and the Ministry for Ethnic Peoples.

A full engagement list is available as an appendix to the strategy, which you can download below.

Download the strategy#