The challenge was to create a sustainable and biodiverse marine habitat. Thanks to everyone who entered. Your creations were awesome and judging was tough.
Congratulations to this year’s winners ...
Primary (Years 1-6)
• Winner: Mana Moana: Stewart Island, Loki Che, Our Lady of the Sacred Heart School
• Second: Hatch Sealife, Harlan Bracefield and Jack McLean, Lynmore School
• Third: Harmonious Waters, Makenna van der Heyden, Otonga Road School
Intermediate (Years 7-8)
• Winner: Monty’s Magnificent Marine Reserve, Monty Christodoulou, Te Kura
• Second: KPKP: Kina Prevention, Kelp Protection, Harry Easton, Edwin Acland and Lachlan Severinsen, Nelson Intermediate School
• Third: Isabella’s Idyllic Marine Sanctuary, Isabella Christodoulou, Te Kura
Secondary (Years 9+)
• Winner: Minecraft Ring of Fire, Jaimee Mobberley, Izyah Witinitara, Tyler Bewley and Jackson Bewley, Wairarapa College
• Second: The World Around Us, Orlando Mende and Leo Miyake, Rathkeale College
• Third: Tropical Escape, Emma Young, Aliyah Alchin, Ava Port, and Melinda Harpur, Te Awamutu College
In partnership with: With expert support from:
AND VIEWS NEWS AND VIEWS NEWS AND VIEWS NEWS AND VIEWS
Meet the team
EDITOR
Greg Adams
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Greg.Adams@interfacemagazine.co.nz
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Michelle Durbin 09 575 2454
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Design@interfacemagazine.co.nz
EVENT MANAGER INTERFACE Xpo
Paul Colgrave
Paul.Colgrave@interfacexpo.co.nz
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NEW ZEALAND INTERFACE™
(ISSN 1177-973X) is published four times a year by G MEDIA PUBLISHING LIMITED
While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy of information in this magazine, the publisher does not accept liability for inaccuracies, omissions or misinterpretations that may occur, and urges readers to always check online resources before using them in class.
HAPPY HOLIDAYS AND SEE YOU AGAIN IN 2025
Well, that’s nearly it for another school year. We’ve enjoyed being with you on your digital journey and are already looking ahead to 2025. What can we expect from AI, online learning and new classroom devices? What’s next for your digital PD? Maybe robotics, STEM or even trying your hand at some esports? Stick with us and rest assured that we’ll be right there with you, supporting and inspiring your use of digital technology in your teaching.
Looking ahead, don’t miss INTERFACE Xpo 2025 (more below), keep an eye out for our regular e-newsletters in your inbox and the next issue of INTERFACE in February.
Best wishes for the remainder of the term and here’s to a happy and enjoyable holiday from everyone at INTERFACE.
INTERFACE OFFICE CLOSED: Please note, our administration, distribution and accounts team will be on holiday from Friday 6 December to Tuesday 28 January.
WHEN AND WHERE FOR NEXT YEAR’S EVENTS
We’re busy making arrangements for INTERFACE Xpo 2025. It’s already shaping up nicely and we can reveal that there’ll be something of an esports flavour to proceedings. So that you can also start to make plans, we can confirm that the dates and locations are:
• Lincoln, Lincoln Event Centre, Thursday 8 May
• Taupo -, Great Lake Centre, Tuesday 13 May
• Auckland, Waipuna Conference Centre, Thursday 15 May
Delegate registrations will open in early 2025. Don’t miss out on the digital education PD day of the year!
More at interfacexpo.nz
CONGRATS TO OUR LATEST COMPETITION WINNERS!
As always thanks to everyone who entered our competitions in the September issue.
In for an illuminating time are Matthew Schollum, Sancta Maria College, Auckland, and Keala Senek, Wellington East Girls’ School, who both win a pair of Portable Mini USB Night Lights.
The two 360 Degree Flexible Phone Clip Stands are on their way to Jamaya Fisilau, Te Pa - kihi o Maru, Oamaru (white) and Vicki Moffat, Titirangi School, Auckland (black). Looking into small spaces and hard-to-reach places will be Phillip Reade, Inglewood Primary School, Taranaki, who wins the popular USB-Powered Endoscope.
And lastly, a pair of Sticky Grippy Suction Phone Case Holders are each heading for Lynda Frisby, Whakatane High School, Bay of Plenty, and Naida Mulligan, Verdon College, Invercargill.
Missed out this time? There are more great prizes up for grabs in this issue. See page 13 or go to interfaceonline.co.nz/competition
POWERING UP AT ENERGISE 2024
Last month, Energise 2024, ImpactEd’s annual teacher PD conference, was a resounding success, writes Garth Lewis. “The event brought together educators from across the Canterbury region for two awesome days of inspiring professional growth. Attendees explored innovative teaching strategies, engaged in collaborative discussions and shared best practices. Highlights included dynamic keynote sessions from Whitney Hansen (Matatū Head of Rugby) and Wilj Dekkers (education consultant), interactive breakout workshops on technology integration, curriculum and curriculum refresh, and growing leadership. Among the very talented facilitators was Sheena Cameron (Director and Author). Participants left feeling energised and equipped with new tools to foster student engagement and success. A big thank you to all our sponsors, we look forward to next year’s opportunity to continue empowering the teaching journey!”
More at impacted.co.nz
FRANKENSTORIES WINS MIT SOLVE CHALLENGE
Despite being designed to be inherently human and social, Frankenstories has won an AI assessment grant from MIT Solve, sponsored by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. Featured in the March issue of INTERFACE, the creative writing game challenges students to stitch a story together from an initial idea.
More at writelike.org/news
NEW DIGITAL PROGRAMME FOR MATHS AND STATS
Oxford University Press has released Mathematics and Statistics for Aotearoa New Zealand, for Years 0-8. The new digital programme is specifically designed for the refreshed New Zealand curriculum and comes with a five-step teaching sequence.
More at oxforddigital.co.nz
KAMI’S VALUE HITS $300 MILLION
Recent international investment in homegrown learning platform Kami has seen the valuation of the company –which is based in Auckland – surpass $300 million. With more than 40 million current users across 180 different countries, the online document annotation and markup tool will use the backing to accelerate its global growth ambitions.
Experience the world’s first-ever techno sport – Hado – completely free!
Have you tried Hado? Now’s your chance to take part in the world’s first techno sport ... and for free. YMCA Free Sessions
Starting this month, Hado NZ is hosting free VR dodgeball sessions every Saturday from 1-2pm at Massey YMCA, until 14 December. Just turn up and experience the future of sports!
“These fun and fast-paced sessions are a great way for students to develop new skills, meet friends, and enjoy the thrill of Hado! “ said Hado NZ’s Connor Green.
2024 Summer Cup Showdown
Hado NZ is also hosting the 2024 Summer Cup Showdown, where teams of three students will face off to compete for the top spot. The event will be held at Rangitoto College in the Rangi Centre on Sunday 1 December, from 9am to 6pm. Placement and spot prizes to be won! Registrations close on Friday 29 November.
Free and all welcome
Both events are open to all participants aged 8 and are completely free. No prior knowledge of the game is required. All equipment will be provided on the day.
Hado is an augmented reality (AR) sport, putting the power of energy balls and shields in the hands of players on a real-life court. It’s a team sport played with up to three people on each side. Games last 80 seconds. The team with the most points at the buzzer wins.
For more information and to sign up your students to the 2024 Summer Cup Showdown go to hado.co.nz
Or any questions or enquiries to Connor at connor@hado.co.nz
Teachers wanted to help transform science education
The Science Teaching Leadership Programme (STLP) offers primary schools, secondary science departments and nominated teachers the chance to enhance the teaching of science. Here Vicki Moffat and Manaaki Whenua discuss the mutual benefits to kura and science institutions.
Titirangi School’s Vicki Moffat is a participant teacher in the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment funded Science Teaching Leadership Programme administered by Royal Society Te Apa - rangi. It seeks to transform science teaching and learning through a one-of-a-kind programme of learning across two phases:
• Phase One is a six-month experience, which involves a host placement with a science organisation to develop their knowledge, workshops to deepen their understanding of the New Zealand curriculum, more specifically the Nature of Science and further enhance their leadership skills.
• In Phase Two, teachers return to their kura to undertake an in-depth review of their school’s science programmes, produce a school development plan to transform science teaching and learning, deliver and lead activities to lift science engagement, confidence and achievement overall and measure the impact and progress made. By accepting a placement in this programme, schools have committed to making science a focus for development for two years.
Relationships and resources
Vicki recently concluded her placement at Manaaki Whenua Landcare Research exploring the microbiology and morphology of fungi and bacteria.
She says her personal, professional and scientific development through the programme has been far greater than she ever anticipated. Vicki adds that the relationships she has built at Manaaki Whenua and with other participants in STLP means that she can return to school with a bank of resources she can use to teach science.
Rose Williams, Technician at Manaaki Whenua, believes that it’s important for teachers and scientists to work together because all scientists were school kids at one point.
“For a lot of us, that’s where our love of science began.”
Hosting a teacher
Rose says her experience as a host has been “fantastic” and hosting a teacher has allowed her to do something different, empowering Vicki to take the lead with her guidance and mentorship.
“[Being a host] gives us a chance to do some fun stuff that we wouldn’t normally do, like this probiotic project that we’re working on.
“I’m just there to guide her through, help her design experiments and look at results.”
Rose encourages other organisations looking to host a teacher to “just go for it, it’s so rewarding”. She says it’s important to meet with the participant teacher to see what their aspirations are and plan a programme with them from there.
“Involve as many people in your organisation as possible, so that your teacher gets a chance to experience a diversity of roles within your organisation.”
Demystify science
Peter Buchanan, Science Team Leader at Manaaki Whenua has hosted many teachers and says the Science Teaching Leadership Programme helps students demystify science and science institutions.
“We’re not ivory towers – the people who work here are just normal people, they just happen to have skills in science.”
Peter says he sees teachers returning from their STLP placements with more motivation in their teaching, and handson experiences to teach their students about.
When it comes to the benefits for the host organisations, Peter says it’s “all gain”.
“I would suspect that it is for any other organisation that has a perspective on outreach for their own science – having a teacher present only adds to that.”
Vicki returned to school in Term 3 2024 to begin Phase Two of STLP and implement a development programme to grow science engagement and achievement at Titirangi School.
Article by Grace Prior, Kaitohutohu Papa - ho Communications Advisor, Royal Society Te Apa - rangi.
If you’re interested in learning more about STLP, check out Royal Society Te Apa - rangi’s About the Science Teaching Leadership Programme
Applications are now open for STLP 2025’s second cohort beginning in Term 3 – Apply now!
SCIENCE IN ACTION WITH VICKI MOFFAT
MyN4L offers online insights and control for schools
Ensuring schools and kura have more oversight of their online environments was one of the main drivers behind the development of N4L’s self-service platform, MyN4L. Te Maire St Francis of Assisi Catholic School has been one of the first schools to benefit from the platform gaining simplified control and insights into the school’s online environment.
What can MyN4L do for schools?
Network for Learning (N4L) developed MyN4L so that schools and kura can get more hands-on access to a range of their N4L services. The initial service release provides visibility and control over six key areas of N4L’s Managed Internet, Wi-Fi, cybersecurity, and cyber safety services:
• Web Filtering – allows schools using N4L’s Firewall to submit requests to block and unblock websites according to the school’s needs;
• Network Monitor – shows schools that have received Equipment Replacement the performance and functionality of their Wi-Fi network equipment such as switches and access points;
• Email Protection – allows schools that have signed up for N4L’s Email Protection to safely see their spam or potentially harmful emails in quarantine, so legitimate emails can be released;
• Online Activity – provides schools that have Secure Access, with a view of what websites are being accessed and blocked on their school’s network, to help a-konga stay safer online;
• Guest Access – enables Secure Access schools to control Wi-Fi network access for different types of visitors; and
• Device Registration – gives schools and external IT providers the ability to add and remove third-party and shared devices, like printers and CCTV, to a school’s Wi-Fi network during and after Secure Access migration.
The tools can be used by anyone on a school’s team who has authorisation from the principal to access them, including external IT providers.
Enhancing online safety for a -konga
Te Maire St Francis of Assisi Catholic School gained early access to all of
MyN4L’s tools as part of a pilot of the platform, which Principal, Jo Earl, says the Christchurch primary has quickly adapted to using.
“The MyN4L interface is really easy to use, it’s simple.”
The St Francis team are using Online Activity to complement their existing classroom management software to enhance online safety in the classroom.
“There’s been a couple of times when we’ve wanted to have a better look at what the kids have been doing, so we’ve used Online Activity at those times.”
If the school does discover that students have been accessing a game, social media or other inappropriate website, they can use the MyN4L Web Filtering tool to request to block it, a task St Francis would previously delegate to their IT service provider.
“Being able to manage things ourselves and not have to wait is really helpful.”
Straightforward for IT providers
As IT providers can use MyN4L with a school’s permission, another benefit of the platform is that it expedites communication between a school, their IT provider, and N4L where necessary.
Michael Walding, a System Engineer at Fusion who manages a team assisting 16 schools across Christchurch including St Francis, says MyN4L’s Network Monitor tool has made troubleshooting school network issues easier for him and his team.
“It’s really straightforward,” he said. “For example, if a switch or an access point is offline, the school can check those details, call us, and we can see the same information they’re seeing. This saves us time and enables us to take action and quickly fix the problem.”
IT providers can see multiple schools at the same time in MyN4L, which Walding notes is a plus.
“You just switch between schools using a dropdown. Information about each school appears in the same format every time, so when I’m training new team members that’s much easier than training people for multiple different sites.”
Walding looks forward to all the schools he oversees having access to the platform.
“All 16 schools would be pretty cool,” he added.
Staged roll-out
N4L has commenced a staged roll-out of MyN4L and aims to invite all state and state-integrated schools to the platform within the next year. There is no cost to eligible schools.
After using MyN4L at St Francis, Earl recommends schools access the platform when they can.
“I would definitely encourage other schools to take up MyN4L. You’ve got more control over what’s happening.”
To learn more about MyN4L and how it can be used at your school, visit n4l.co.nz/support/myn4l/
Safer Technologies for Schools (ST4S): Strengthening digital product safety for schools and kura
As the digital landscape evolves, so do the risks. Sadly, this means that schools worldwide, including those here in New Zealand, have become prime targets for cyber criminals due to the valuable personal data they store.
Increasingly schools and kura rely on digital products for administration and learning support, but this dependence also brings with it increased responsibility for safeguarding student privacy and safety.
Safer Technologies for Schools (ST4S) plays a crucial role ensuring that educational digital products meet privacy and security standards, to protect both tamariki and staff.
But how has ST4S evolved, and why should schools and suppliers engage with this initiative?
What is Safer Technologies for Schools (ST4S)?
ST4S is an initiative that evaluates digital products, providing an independent assessment of their privacy and security measures. Managed by Education Services Australia (ESA), on behalf of the Ministry of Education and its Australian peers, ST4S serves schools in New Zealand and Australia, ensuring digital products meet regional standards.
The ST4S website (st4s.edu.au/verify-abadge/) has a list of products that have earned a ST4S badge, signifying they meet minimum required standards and that comprehensive privacy and security information is available to support usage in schools. The initiative also offers schools clear, consistent reports to guide their product choices, helping them avoid potential risks.
Through the Ministry’s ST4S online portal (education.govt.nz/st4s), schools can access these confidential assessment reports, detailing how products perform against key privacy and security criteria, with recommendations for risk mitigation.
Currently schools and kura have self-service access to the assessment reports for 130 badged products, with a further 100+ reports available on request. Categories range from learning and assessment tools
to school administration and educational games, with a growing number of products achieving the ST4S badge.
Growing engagement: a win for schools and suppliers
ST4S has assessed over 240 digital products, with more suppliers choosing to undergo the assessment process, including making improvements to meet ST4S standards, where required. The ST4S badge is an important signal for schools and kura, giving them confidence in the security of the products they use.
In the past year, additional products have been added to the ST4S online catalogue, with suppliers recognising the value of meeting ST4S standards. This increase reflects growing demand from schools for secure products, as well as suppliers’ recognition of the competitive edge the ST4S badge provides.
ST4S in Action
Clifton Terrace Model School used ST4S assessment reports to help choose a new Student Management System (SMS).
Initially, their preferred product lacked two-factor authentication (2FA), a feature identified as essential by ST4S reports.
With this information, the school approached the supplier, requesting 2FA be implemented before proceeding. The supplier responded, adding the feature within months, and Clifton Terrace could move forward confidently, knowing they had selected a more secure, ST4Sassessed product.
This example demonstrates ST4S’s power to help schools make informed decisions and encourage suppliers to improve their products. The ultimate benefit? Better protection of student data.
Why suppliers should engage with ST4S
For suppliers, undergoing the ST4S assessment process not only proves their product’s security credentials but also offers a competitive advantage on both sides of the Tasman. Schools are increasingly prioritising privacy and security when selecting digital products - the ST4S badge stands out in a crowded market.
The ST4S badge is an important signal for schools and kura, giving them confidence in the security of the products they use.
The assessment process is also collaborative. Suppliers receive feedback on how their products measure up against the standards, with recommendations for improvement. Importantly, there is no application fee to undergo this process.
Suppliers who have successfully completed the ST4S assessment process have reported positive outcomes, such as increased interest from schools and improved relationships with existing clients.
As one CEO of an educational product company explained: “ST4S made us re-evaluate our privacy policies and security features. We came out with a stronger, more secure product, which boosted our market reputation.”
Principals save time and gain peace of mind
For principals and school administrators, evaluating product privacy and security can be complex and time-consuming. ST4S simplifies this process by providing clear reports on the security standards of potential products.
By choosing products with the ST4S badge, principals can have greater confidence that their students’ data is more protected.
Article by the Ministry of Education’s Digital Services Team
The future of digital safety in schools
As digital products become more central to learning and education, the role of initiatives like Safer Technologies for Schools (ST4S) becomes even more vital.
ST4S is one part of the Ministry of Education’s Cyber Security and Digital Support (CSDS) programme, established to strengthen cyber security and digital support in kura and schools, to provide better protection against escalating cyber-attacks and privacy breaches. This work aligns with the government’s Connected Ako: Digital &
For more information about Safer Technologies for Schools (ST4S) go to the Ministry’s ST4S portal and
Data for Learning strategy, which aims to ensure equitable access to secure digital infrastructure.
In the coming year, the Ministry will be encouraging further products to join ST4S and is working closely with EdTechNZ to achieve this.
Expansion and more choice
This expansion will offer schools more choice and encourage suppliers to adopt ST4S as the key privacy and security standard for educational digital products used in schools and kura.
Both schools and suppliers play a crucial role in creating a safer digital environment. By supporting ST4S, they help protect students and their data from cyber risks while enabling them to thrive in a connected world.
The ST4S initiative has made significant strides over the past year. Whether you’re a teacher selecting new digital products for the classroom or a supplier developing them, using and participating in the ST4S programme ensures that digital safety remains at the forefront in New Zealand’s schools.
Rediscovering a trusted classroom innovator
In the world of education technology, devices come and go, but few have a legacy like Dynabook. While you may be unfamiliar with the name, now’s the time to rediscover an old favourite, a brand that’s been engineering some of the most reliable and innovative classroom laptops for more than 30 years.
From Toshiba to Dynabook
The Dynabook journey started in the late 1960s when computer scientist Alan Kay had a revolutionary idea: a portable computer, a ‘Dynamic Book’ he called it, that would give people access to endless information. That vision inspired Toshiba’s engineers, who turned Kay’s dream into reality, releasing the Toshiba T1100, the first commercial laptop in the world in 1985. Four years later, the first Dynabook-branded laptop was produced, which was among the earliest laptops designed with a lightweight form factor and robust features. These were pioneering moves and the Toshiba name would be synonymous with personal computing for decades.
In recent years, however, there’s been a significant change. Toshiba’s laptop division was acquired by Sharp, and with it came the rebirth of the Dynabook brand. For those who remember Toshiba’s impact, this might feel like a return of an old friend, just in time for the next generation of learners. Dynabook has always been there, driving innovation behind the scenes, and now it’s ready to take centre stage again.
Pioneering student laptop programme
If you’ve ever wondered where the concept of student laptop programmes started, look no further than Dynabook. In 1998, one of the world’s first school laptop programmes launched at Methodist Ladies’ College in Melbourne, with Dynabook (then Toshiba) as the backbone of the initiative. This was more than just a tech upgrade, it was the beginning of a new way to learn, teaching students how to engage with technology in meaningful ways.
Saint Kentigern College became the first school in New Zealand to implement a one2one programme with a selected number of students in 1997. This was the start of a 26-year relationship that
continues today and has seen many thousands of students be supplied with a Dynabook laptop. Following that success, Dynabook’s reputation as the go-to for education tech only grew, particularly with its long-standing partnership with the Ministry of Education’s TELA programme, which supplies laptops to educators across New Zealand.
Engineered for education
Dynabook is still about making some of the most robust, reliable, and highperformance laptops you can get your hands on – especially for the education sector. Today a number of Dynabook laptops weigh less than 1kg, a major weight reduction to any student’s school bag. The many years of engineering excellence means that Dynabook is able to get the fastest processors available in a thin, lightweight and robust form factor. The new AI ready range provides the power to smash through applications like the Adobe Creative Suite and future proof the investment that schools and students make in technology. The X30W Portégé is a sleek, powerful machine that weighs in from just 989 grams, or the ultra-reliable, more budget-friendly E11W series –running Windows 11 and designed with students in mind. Both offer the ability to flip between traditional clamshell laptop into a tablet with the flick of a wrist.
When it comes to ruggedness, Dynabook sets the bar. With an incredibly low warranty failure rate in the first year of use across their Portégé range, these laptops are built to take a beating and still deliver. These aren’t just laptops; they’re tools for learning, designed to withstand everything a student can throw at them (literally).
A new chapter: Reclaiming the classroom
The shift from Toshiba to Dynabook was a calculated move that allows the rebranded company to focus squarely on what it does best, creating laptops that
make a real difference in education. Today’s classrooms demand more than ever from their technology and Dynabook is meeting the challenge with powerful, lightweight machines that thrive in the education space.
In many ways, the Dynabook brand is a rediscovery of what’s always been there: a trusted name that’s shaped the way students interact with technology for decades. It’s about reclaiming that legacy, and pushing it forward into new territories, with models like the X30W and E11W leading the charge.
Take another look at Dynabook
If you’re a principal, IT manager or decision-maker for a school’s technology, it’s worth taking another look at the Dynabook range. This isn’t just a brand riding on nostalgia; it’s a brand that’s proven its reliability time and time again, with a history of innovation that still resonates in today’s classrooms.
Whether it’s about providing tools for young students to explore their world or giving teens the power they need to drive advanced software applications, Dynabook delivers. Lightweight, robust, and engineered to last, these laptops strike the perfect balance between power and portability.
The tech landscape has changed but Dynabook’s commitment to education hasn’t. As we step into the future, this old favourite is ready to make waves again, proving that when it comes to learning, some things never go out of style.
Article by Dynabook
For more information check out Dynabook Resources or visit anz.dynabook.com
Can AI help you? Give these apps a try and find out
From Gemini to ChatGPT, Grammarly to Duolingo, Siri to Google Maps, Artificial Intelligence is being put into practice in many places – and your classroom could be next. Here are 10 AI-powered tools for you to try in your teaching.
Speechify (speechify.com) has a range of AI-powered features. There’s Text-To-Speech and Image-To-Speech options. The AI Voice Over can convert text into natural-sounding speech in over 50 languages. Simply speak into your laptop for 30 seconds, press record, and it’ll clone your voice. It also offers Dubbing and Transcription of audio and video files
Transform text or image prompts into engaging video content with Pika (pika.art). This free video generator offers mind-blowing ‘Pikaffects’, realistic movement and big screen shots. Even if you have zero experience with editing videos, you can quickly and easily create, alter and add with just a simple command.
ChatPDF (chatpdf.com) lets you interact with PDFs. Simply upload a PDF file. The site will generate a quick summary before you can start asking it questions about the content. You’ll then receive detailed answers. It can handle multiple PDFs and languages. The free version allows two PDFs a day, each up to 120 pages.
PopAI (popai.pro) has multiple uses, from interacting with documents to writing reports and essays to creating presentations – all powered with AI. There are also coding and maths models, image generators, text extractors, cover letter writers, and more.
Record and capture notes from staff meetings, parent discussions, PD sessions, and general conversations with Fireflies (fireflies.ai). It will transcribe information in real-time, making sure you can focus on what’s being said rather than taking notes. Transcriptions can be summarised for easy sharing, as well as searched and edited.
Convert words into images with Picsart’s AI Image Generator (picsart.com/ai-imagegenerator/). Create without having to draw or photograph anything. Just write a short text prompt. Use it to bring abstract ideas to life or visually illustrate complex concepts to engage students and aid their understanding.
Knowt (knowt.com) is a quiz and flashcard generator for creating content from information entered by students or teachers. It generates sharable quizzes that rotate through multiplechoice, fill-in, and short-answer questions. Quizzes can be taken multiple times, with scores provided. It could be useful for quick class tests or as a study aid.
“Welcome to your job interview …” Practise interviews with First Round (interview. firstround.live). The AI interviewer will ask you a series of questions, both generic and personal. Reply to each question within the provided time limit. Once you’re done, it’ll question, process your answers, and give you scores and tips.
Groovelit (groovelit.com) is a gamified writing platform. Choose from a range of game options – like ‘Vocabulary Connections’, ‘Latin Roots’ or ‘Persuasive Paragraph’ – and customise to suit your needs. Simply invite your students to a game and see how they go.
Create classroom tests and quizzes with QuestionWell (questionwell.org). Add a topic and link to resources to help the AI know the focus of your content. It will create discussion questions to guide student learning. Your job is then to select the question that best suit your class objectives.
What AI apps do you like and use in the classroom? Tell us at comment@interfacemagazine.co.nz
AI is neither good nor evil. It’s a tool. The choice about how it gets deployed is ours.
OREN ETZIONI COMPUTER SCIENTIST AND AI PIONEER
COOL GIZMOS SPACE EDUCATIONAL GAMES
For a quick and easy way to make screencasts try Komodo (komododecks. com). Record what’s on your screen and edit your footage to generate class, assignment and resources videos. The starter account offers unlimited video and lengths. There’s a desktop, iOS and Android app, as well as a Chrome extenion.
New Space (new.space) lets you share large files with end-to-end encryption –including documents, images and videos. Each file can be up to 200MB and is stored on what it calls a ‘Space’, up to a total of 1GB. Each new visit creates a new, blank space. Subsequent access is via a link. Auto clean-up is after 14 days.
Convert written text into a GIF animation with Msgif (msgif.net). Firstly, choose the size of the text area and your desired style of design. Then press record and type in your message. Once you’re done, press the ‘Create GIF’ button. Download and share the GIF animation you have created.
Check out the latest space news, images and videos at European Space Agency (esa.int). Watch the Juice probe’s recent Moon fly-by or learn about Europe’s new rocket Ariane 6, including a kit for making your own paper rocket. Or explore Discover ESA Live, with interactive modules and live streaming.
Space Weather Live (spaceweatherlive. com) is packed with information about astronomy, space, space weather, and related subjects. There’s real-time data on solar and auroral activity (which can be viewed on a globe interactive), solar winds and geostorms, sunspots, and a Kp-index of geomagnetic activity.
When is the next full moon? Or new moon, blue moon or lunar eclipse? Find out about these and much more at Moon Giant (moongiant.com). As well as various calendars, you can get familiar with the moon’s surface with an interactive map, view NASA images, and find tips for lunar photographers.
Customise and share games based on popular word puzzle Wordle with MyWordle (mywordle.strivemath.com) To create your own, enter a word of any length and generate a link to share it with students. Spanish, French and German options are available. Or play a random word.
Studying Africa? You don’t know Africa (youdontknowafrica.com) is a collection of three simple but engaging games (so far). The first challenges players to identify a country by its outline. The second requires players to name 20 African countries in two minutes. And the third tests knowledge of the continent’s flags.
20 Words 20 Seconds (khutchins.itch. io/20-words-20-seconds) is a fast-paced typing game made to be played in … 20 seconds! For each prompt, players type an English word that meets the criteria. Words can’t be re-used. The score is based on the number and length of words typed, and the time remaining.
WIRELESS CHARGING ALARM CLOCK
Tell the time, set an alarm … and have your smartphone charged and ready when you wake up in the morning with a Wireless Charging Alarm Clock. The clock comes with three display options (combining time, date and temperature), 12/24 Hour selection, and alarm with programmable snooze. In addition, there’s a 5W wireless charging pad and 1 Amp USB charging port. Plus, enjoy a soft-glow light with seven colour choices.
We have one Wireless Charging Alarm Clock to give away.
Entries close Wednesday 12 February, 2025.
LARGE GAMING MOUSE PAD
Periodic Table layout? Or Shortcuts for Office? We have two large, rubber-backed mouse pads as prizes – one with each of these designs. Washable, non-slip and with durable stitched edges, these mats are a welcome and attractive addition to any desk. Not only will they ensure your mouse will move quickly, accurately and smoothly, but also they provide useful, visual knowledge.
Choose your preferred design from Periodic Table (80cm x 40cm) or Office Shortcuts (80cm x 30cm) when you enter.
Entries close Wednesday 12 February, 2025.
BATHROOM PHONE WATERPROOF CASE
Think the bath and shower are smartphone-free zones? Think again. Now you don’t have to go without just because things get a little wet and steamy. Keep your device safe and dry with a Bathroom Phone Waterproof Case. Made from tough plastic, the case comes with an easy-to-open and snap close door, with a touch-sensitive window Simply seal it inside and position as needed to keep watching, listening and interacting.
Why go without because you’re in the shower? Enter online and be in to win.
Entries close Wednesday 12 February, 2025.
CELLPHONE SIGNAL BOOSTER KIT
Struggling with your mobile signal? If so, a Sp11 Pro Portable Cell Phone Signal Booster Kit could be just what you need to enhance voice and data services. No battery, electronics or power required. Attach the sticker (with an embedded antenna) to your phone and it claims to be able to “reduce static, improve signal strength and extend cell range”.
We have a pack of three up for grabs. Enter online. Entries close Wednesday 12 February, 2025.
Keeping across activity on your school’s network has never been more important. That’s why the tools in MyN4L put a range of our services at your fingertips, so you can view info and make changes in a few clicks. MyN4L is now being gradually rolled out to state and state-integrated schools.
