Computer skills complement language

A language-learning centre in Wellington is adding value to education by providing opportunities for its students to learn computer skills.

Multicultural Learning and Support Services (MCLaSS) has teamed up with Smart Newtown to engage its English literacy students to learn basic computer and internet techniques to enhance their language development.

The institute’s teacher Kim Paterson said computer training reinforced the lessons taught in literacy classes, providing them other avenues of learning.

Computer and keyboard skills are essential to use electronic machines like ATMs and EFTPOS cards, she said.

“Learning use of computers opens up a whole new world. Working with tutors from Smart Newtown exposed the students to other New Zealand voices. It is important for them to build a repertoire of other accents; otherwise they get so used to one teacher they think she or he is the only person they can understand,” Ms Paterson said.