e-Learning

New Online Teaching and Learning Environment (OTLE)

At Te Kura we have changed to an exciting new Online Teaching and Learning Environment (OTLE).

Students involved in online learning from 2011 will be working in our OTLE, and we trust that there will be many more who will take up this opportunity in the future.

Logging into OTLE

From the Te Kura website homepage, go to the LOGIN link in the top right-hand corner of the page. When you are on the LOGIN page choose OTLE from the list of login options, and click the ‘Login to OTLE’ link. This will take you to the OTLE welcome page.

Alternatively you can get to the OTLE Welcome page by typing the following web address into your browser:

https://tekura.desire2learn.com

User name and password

Your username to access the OTLE is based on your student ID number.

Username: Your Student ID number
Password: 12345678

You will be asked to change your password, when you have logged in.

Benefits

The OTLE makes it easier for you to communicate with your teacher online and to be involved in group discussions with other students. It also allows you to write your own blog and publish your best work to an e-Portfolio.

Online study

If you are interested in studying online and would like to see more about the OTLE, follow the link below. You will need to have Flash Player installed on your machine to view the video demonstration.

OTLE video demonstration

Technical requirements for studying online

To study online with the Te Kura you will be required to have:

  • a desktop or laptop computer
  • an Internet connection and a browser like Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox or Safari.
  • word publishing software such as Microsoft Word or Open Office.

For more detailed information on computer requirements read the Te Kura Computer Requirements.

OTLE Helpdesk

At Te Kura we have an OTLE helpdesk that can give you technical help with studying in our Online Teaching and Learning Environment (OTLE).

The address for the OTLE helpdesk is helpdesk.OTLE@tekura.school.nz

Please include your name and student ID number in any emails you send us.

Talk to your learning advisor

To discuss your options for online study please contact your learning advisor.

What is eLearning?

A number of our courses use e-learning. As an e-learning student you can:

  • interact with other students and your teacher in a password-protected online classroom, such as the current system, OTLE.
  • collaborate with other e-learners
  • communicate with your teacher by email
  • use online learning activities
  • use CD, DVD, flash drive and MP3 files as well as booklets and other online material
  • record your learning in digital formats.

Equipment for e-learning

You’ll need:

  • daily access to a computer with a stable Internet connection
  • an audio CD player
  • access to an email address with a recognised internet service provider (not hotmail, yahoo or other online email providers)
  • word processing or presentation software, such as Microsoft Office, MS Works or similar.

Optional extras

If you are studying by e-learning, there are some other items that it would be useful for you to have:

  • digital camera or a mobile phone with PXT
  • graphics, image editing or drawing software
  • microphone and appropriate software
  • mp3 recorder
  • scanner
  • webcam.

e-learning is not the only way

If you don’t have Internet access, you can learn from booklets and communicate with teachers using the postal service and telephone. Your teacher or learning advisor will find out what equipment you have available, and order suitable learning material to be sent to you.

Learn cybersafety

Using the Internet safely and responsibly is called cybersafety. For your own protection, we recommend you learn how to:

  • protect your personal information online
  • behave responsibly towards others online
  • manage potentially risky situations
  • judge the credibility of material found on the Internet.

The Netsafe website www.netsafe.org.nz/ gives cybersafety tips for all ages.