From Curiosity to Confidence: A New Digital Journey

Our partner charity, Digital Future Aotearoa, is flipping the script on digital learning. Their Ōtautahi Outreach programme has been a game-changer for one Christchurch teacher and her class of curious Year 6 tamariki. This is what happens when you remove barriers and bring hands-on tech learning right into the classroom.

Ashleigh, an experienced kaiako (teacher), had never explored the Digital Technologies curriculum in depth before. Supported each week by EduTech Facilitator, Kate, she and her class dove into creative digital learning with hands-on experiences like building a pedometer using Microsoft Micro:bits and playing music using water in paper cups through Makey Makey circuits. These activities sparked a level of curiosity and possibility that neither tamariki nor teacher had experienced before. 

For Ashleigh, the learning was transformative.

“I was enthusiastic but not skilful in coding before this programme,” she reflects. “Under Kate’s calm and empowering guidance, I felt secure enough to give it a go and discovered I had retained and could replicate the learning confidently.” 

The model of learning alongside tamariki in the classroom proved to be a game-changer. Rather than attending a one-off hui, Ashleigh experienced digital technologies education embedded directly into her teaching practice.

“Learning in the classroom made the transfer immediate and non-threatening. It outshone any traditional workshop model I’ve attended.” 

Access was another critical factor. Ōtautahi Outreach removes financial barriers by providing sessions, equipment, and resources at no cost to schools. This enabled Sacred Heart to quickly embrace the opportunity without needing to navigate tight budgets. Edu-tech kits were available for practice throughout the week, reinforcing new skills for both students and teachers. Two refurbished laptops, generously provided through Digital Future Aotearoa’s Recycle A Device programme, were also gifted to two graduating Year 8 students, helping their families bridge the digital divide as they transitioned to high school. 

The wider impact of the Outreach programme has been significant. Across Ōtautahi, 109 kaiako and 591 tamariki across 13 kura engaged with Digital Technologies learning through this model. Each interaction contributes to a growing movement of confident, creative learners equipped to thrive in a digital world. 

Learning digital skills is about more than coding; it's about unlocking opportunities for the future. As technology becomes woven into every aspect of life and work, it’s essential that tamariki across Aotearoa are equipped not just to use digital tools, but to shape them. Through initiatives like Ōtautahi Outreach, Digital Future Aotearoa is helping close the digital divide and build a future where every learner can thrive. 

Through projects like programming an accessible Toroa information kiosk for the local community, every student in Ashleigh’s class, including those with additional needs, found success and pride in their achievements. “Kate showed us that coding isn't just about computers, it’s a way to solve real-world problems creatively,” Ashleigh says. 

Today, Sacred Heart School stands better equipped to empower the next generation in the digital world. It all started with one empowered teacher, a willing classroom, and the belief that with the right support, everyone can succeed. 

‍

Words and images supplied by Digital Future Aotearoa.

*Names have been changed to protect participant privacy