News+and+competitions

**e-news for schools**
Find out how schools have used e-ambassadors in their mathematics classrooms - there is a nice example from Iona.

\**Math4Mobile** ** [|www.math4mobile.com/] **
The Math4Mobile project examines the opportunities of ubiquitous and personal technologies for educational purposes, specifically of using the mobile phone for teaching and learning mathematics.

**What are the Math4Mobile applications?**
There are 5 Java (J2ME) applications that are designed to help you learn intuitivelly about mathematical concepts in different fields using your mobile phone.

**How can I get the applications?**
You can download the application for free or try them online using the Live demo page.

These were released on Friday 23 October They are on the web along with a range of support material []
 * Numeracy and literacy standards for years 1-8 **

November marks the birthday of Benoit Mandelbrot, the father of fractal geometry. Mandelbrot will celebrate his 85th birthday on November 20th, but we won't make you wait until the 20th to explore a great fractal tool. Play with the Koch snowflake, a fractal tree, a reduced square, and the Sierpinksi triangle. As you progress through the stages, see what patterns you can observe in the images created and the table of values. Look for more changes to this tool in the near future, as we allow you to create your own fractals. []
 * Fractals**

NZQA is about to begin the development of assessment support material to support new level one unit standards in literacy and numeracy. The objective of the project is the development of assessment support materials to compliment the level one unit standards. The materials will be designed for use in secondary schools in tertiary organisations, and in workplaces. We invite expressions of interest in being involved in this project as a member of the development panel to draft the support materials. Ideally members of the development panel will meet these criteria: - a commitment to standards-based assessment and the National Qualifications Framework - an understanding of best practice in assessment - a knowledge of, and experience, with literacy and numeracy, including assessment - an understanding of the needs of the target group for the materials - a commitment to open communication, collaborative problem-solving, and teamwork - an ability and willingness to share expertise and perspectives for the common goal of the group and not retrench to narrower representative agendas - collectively the panel will reflect the various contexts for the use of these resources, in schools and in tertiary education and training. The panel will meet initially for three days during the week of 18 January 2010 and early February 2010. Further meetings will be arranged as needed for the development process. Members of the group will be paid a sitting fee, and all travel and accommodation expenses will be met by NZQA. Nominations (including self-nominations) are invited for the development panel, and they should: - describe the person’s current position or role and recent work history relevant to literacy and numeracy - address the person’s suitability in terms of the criteria set out above - include a daytime telephone number and an e-mail address. Nominations can be by e-mail or post, and should be addressed to Rod Bentham as detailed below. We need to receive nominations by Friday 27 November. For further information and for nominations, please contact: Rod Bentham 04 463 3249 rodney.bentham@nzqa.govt.nz National Qualifications Services, New Zealand Qualifications Authority, PO Box 160, Wellington.
 * Numeracy standards assessment support material**