01/3: Skype Conference with Paul from Learnz in Christchurch

Exactly one week after the Christchurch earthquake, e-Learners were involved in a skype conference with Paul Millicon from Learnz in Christchurch. Learnz is an educational centre that hosts a series of free online virtual field trips for New Zealand teachers and their classes. It also forms part of the Ministry of Educations' Learning Experiences Outside the Classroom (LEOTC) programme.

Ironically Wednesday 23 February 2011 the day after the Christchurch earthquake occurred, would have been the first of a scheduled three day virtual field trip for students about the Canterbury earthquake.

The building that Learnz generally accommodate was affected by the Christchurch earthquake and so given some quick thinking, Paul made skype contact with Whaea Jeanette and e-Learners from his home. Students were inquisitive to know just how such a traumatic experience might feel.

Here are just a few questions that were asked (along with Paul’s answers):

Where were you at the time of the earthquake?
Paul was at work in Spark House, Durham Street sharing a video with colleagues at the time of the earthquake. He managed to crawl under his desk.

What were you thinking when the earthquake was happening?
Paul thought the earthquake was sharp and a lot stronger than the Canterbury quake.

What is the future going to be now for you and your family?
Paul will soon leave Learnz. He is not however prepared to move from Christchurch as everything he loves is there.

Post the skype conference three e-Learners have summarised their thoughts:

This learning experience has made me think…

… what an earthquake must be like and how important it is to know how people in Christchurch are feeling – Amaris.

… that it can be really miserable having to cope without power or proper sewerage – Paige.

… how privileged we are to have heard from someone living the real life earthquake situation – Jared.