Welcome back...

Welcome back...

by Whitireia Online -
Number of replies: 0

Kia ora and welcome back from the summer break.  We trust you are all well rested, keen and ready for study in the 2015 academic year.

A view of Whitireia Te Maunga in the distance from Titahi Bay

While you’ve been enjoying your summer break in the sun, we’ve been busy working to improve your experience using the Whitireia Online (Moodle) website.  There’s a few new initiatives we’ve put in place that we are really excited to share with you and some housekeeping bits and bobs that we would like to cover.


1. We’ve put Moodle in the cloud

Moodle in the cloud

We are very excited to share this news.  Whitireia and our strategic partner Weltec, have partnered with Learning Works (http://learningworks.co.nz/), experts and providers of Moodle hosting in the cloud.  This will mean:

  • increased levels of IT support to ensure that Moodle is running close to 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.  Learning Works will be monitoring Whitireia Online 24 hours a day and are ready to resolve any issues if the website goes down for any reason.
  • noticeable improvements to speed and performance for users.  No longer will you be waiting for those web pages and quizzes to load.
  • increased security and reliability while using the website.  We have implemented some new security measures with the help of Learning Works, to ensure that your work is safe and to provide as seemless as experience as possible.


2. Moodle software update

Learning Works have also supported Whitireia to update the Moodle software that we use.  This has allowed for increased reliability and lightning performance, and added a number of new features and functions.  But don’t worry, you will find all the same features and functions close to where they have always been.  

During Term 1, 2015, we will be working closely with faculty staff and students to introduce the changes to Moodle that may affect you or help with your study.

Throughout 2015, we will continue to work with Learning Works looking at other possible upgrades and improvements to the system.  We’ll keep you posted of any future updates.


3. Access to Moodle and your courses

All Whitireia NZ students have access to the Whitireia Online (Moodle) website.  To login, use your normal Whitireia NZ username and password on the Whitireia Online (Moodle) home page: http://moodle.whitireia.ac.nz

Once you have successfully logged onto Moodle, your default My Home page will appear.   Your My Home page is like a personalised dashboard, with links to your courses. 

The teaching staff within your programme are responsible for making your courses available to you. Follow up with your teachers first if you have issues with accessing your courses.


4. Orientation 2015

Starting from 10 February is Orientation 2015.  Orientation 2015 will assist new and returning students to quickly find their place at Whitireia.  There are opportunities to learn about support services and facilities available to you.

For more information see:

Register your interests to attend a workshop(s) at orientation@whitireia.ac.nz


5. Help and support

We think it’s important you know where you can go if you need help or find that you are stuck.  Below is a list of useful contacts.  We’d love to hear from you:

Information and Enrolment Centre (IEC)
For enrolment, enrolment information and enrolment issues:
Phone: 0800 944 847
Email: info@whitireia.ac.nz
See more info...

Careers advice
For career support, advice and consultation:
Contact: Maria Uluilelata
Phone: 0800 944 847 (ext 3829)
Email: maria.uluilelata@whitireia.ac.nz

W2 Shared Services (ICT Services)
Issues relating to computers, wireless network, multifunctional units (printers, photo copiers, scanners, etc), password resets:
Phone: 0800 944 847 (ext 3783)
Email: helpdesk@whitireia.ac.nz
See more info...

Advocacy support (Porirua Campus)
You have a question and not sure who to ask? 
Needing a place to relax and have a free cuppa?
Visit the StudentHUB
Contact: Debbie Wipani
Phone: 0800 944 847 (ext +3950)
Email: debbie.wipani@whitireia.ac.nz

Online Learning Centre

For help and support using Moodle, Mahara, Coursecast, password resets:
Phone: 0800 944 847 (ext 3201, 3889, 3774)
Email: online@whitireia.ac.nz
See more info...

Library
For general library, distance library, support using the online databases, and general information literacy support:
Phone: 0800 944 847 (ext 3105)
Email: library@whitireia.ac.nz
See more info...

Poutama Academic Learning Services
We work with you and your tutors to help you understand your course work and assessments, and succeed in your studies. 
Phone: 0800 944 847 (ext 3721)
Email: poutama@whitireia.ac.nz
See more info...

Kīa Ngāwari - Wellington Region Health and Welfare Services
If you require health services (onsite doctor and nurse) or financial support:
Phone: 0800 944 847 (ext  3131)
Email: kiangawari@whitireia.ac.nz
See more info...

Whitireia International - Auckland Region Health and Welfare Services
If you require health services (onsite doctor and nurse) or financial support:
Phone: 0800 944 847 (ext  9685)
Email: InternationalAuckland@whitireia.ac.nz
See more info...

Māori, Pacific  and Youth  Academic Support
If you are a Māori, Pacific or Youth student who requires academic support:

Academic Support Coordinator (Māori)
Contact:James (Hēmi) Houkāmau
Phone: 0800 944 847 (ext 3784)
Mobile phone: 021 556 361
Email: james.houkamau@whitireia.ac.nz
See more info...

Pacific Academic Student Success Coordinator
Contact: Leisha Williams
Phone: 0800 944 847 (ext 3766)
Email: leisha.williams@whitireia.ac.nz
See more info...

Youth Success Coordinator (16 - 24years)
Contact: Tiketi Auega
Phone: 0800 944 847 (ext 3626)
Email: tiketi.auega@whitireia.ac.nz

International Student Liason and Pastoral Care
Support for enrolled international students is available in Auckland and the Wellington region.

Auckland region contact
Phone: 0800 944 847 (9685)
Email: InternationalAuckland@whitireia.ac.nz

Wellington region contact
Phone: 0800 944 847 (3622)
Email: InternationalWellington@whitireia.ac.nz
See more info...