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The Toolkit supporting international students studying in NZ
Discover how ISANA NZ, Studio C, Lift Education, and Catalyst IT developed a toolkit to support international students adjusting to studying in New Zealand.
For two years, New Zealand’s borders were closed due to COVID-19, which meant international students couldn’t study here. In 2022, students could return to New Zealand (NZ) to study. At the same time, the Ministry of Education's International Student Wellbeing Strategy (ISWS) was revitalised. This Wellbeing Strategy focuses on:
- Economic wellbeing
- Education
- Health and wellbeing
- Inclusion.
ISANA NZ (International Education Association New Zealand) is a membership-driven organisation representing the entire international education sector. They ensure international students have the best possible experience studying in New Zealand, from primary to tertiary level.
Opportunity
To support students returning to NZ post-pandemic, ISANA created an online 'Capability Toolkit' for international education practitioners with support from ENZ Manapou ki te Ao.
The Toolkit helps international education practitioners support the 'transition' and 'inclusion' of our international students. The resources were targeted and timely, but they were text-heavy and dense. Therefore, it was difficult for educators to digest and engage with the content within their busy schedules.
ISANA NZ partnered with Wellington-based creative studio Studio C Design and education consultancy Lift Education. They applied for Ministry of Education funding to turn some Toolkit content into interactive, online microlearning modules. Together, the three organisations were successful in their funding bid and used it to create six microlearning modules. The modules bring the existing static Toolkit content to life through:
- engaging click-through slide decks and accordion-style dropdowns
- interactive activities and illustrations
- accessible video clips that highlight authentic industry voices.
The modules also needed a future-proofed home, as ISANA NZ did not have a Learning Management System (LMS). ISANA NZ engaged Catalyst IT to build and host a new Moodle LMS.
The Capability Toolkit
The Capability Toolkit is filled with resources such as strategies, tools, tips, guidelines, case studies, and scenarios to support international students in New Zealand.
Solution
As a Certified Premium Moodle Partner, Catalyst built and now hosts ISANA's Moodle LMS. With Catalyst-owned hosting services, the data within the LMS remains protected under NZ regulations.
The new solution went live in July 2023, and new modules continue to be added. The module topics range from te reo Māori pronunciation and mental health support to building skills for employability. To our collective knowledge, this is the first toolkit of its kind in Australasia.
"I am grateful to have had Catalyst guide myself and the ISANA NZ team through Moodle LMS training. The Catalyst team provided a great support system, sharing helpful resources and offering timely responses to our myriad of questions - all with a smile!"
Grace Hickson, ISANA NZ and Studio C
Moodle LMS
The Capability Toolkit is built and hosted on Moodle an open source LMS which empowers educators to create, deliver, and manage online courses.
Supporting student success
By turning the resources into short, interactive online microlearning, the team created an accessible, engaging learning experience. Thus, the new microlearning modules equip international education practitioners with the necessary skills, including meeting and exceeding the new Pastoral Care Code of Practice requirements. Ultimately, international education staff are better prepared to continue doing what they do best — guiding and inspiring their students.
Contact us
We're proud to have supported ISANA NZ, Studio C, and Lift Education with the Capability Toolkit for international students in NZ. Contact us to discuss your organisations learning strategy goals, from LMS content development to hosting, our eLearning experts are happy to help.