Our Work

Studyit

Informal social network supporting NCEA

CWA developed Studyit in 2004 to provide an after-school online environment for young people studying the National Certificate of Educational Achievement (NCEA) in maths and science – with the addition of English in 2005.

Studyit has been a tremendous success - providing a quality assured social networking environment through which young people are helping each other to achieve in NCEA.

The need

The New Zealand Ministry of Education needed a way to extend support for young people studying the new senior secondary school qualification NCEA. They wanted this support to extend beyond the normal hours of the school day. Students needed a place where they could ask for help from their peers, and also have access to subject experts when needed.

The innovation

CWA worked closely with a group of young people to develop the Studyit environment. The group was very clear about what they wanted in the design and features of the site, and the functionality of the collaboration tools.

In developing the site, CWA introduced a navigation system to provide users with quick access to subject information, the NCEA achievement standards, study tips and strategies, careers information, associated readings and, most importantly - the forums.

Studyit has been developed first and foremost for young people. To ensure the quality of subject advice and that it remains a safe and positive environment, CWA has a network of online student mentors, and teacher subject experts who are available to guide and support where appropriate.

The number of registered users, and ongoing feedback from the site has confirmed that Studyit is playing a special part in enabling young people to achieve.

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