About BookTalks
BookTalks is an alternative method of connecting schools, education centres, and other organisations with New Zealand authors and illustrators using internet technology. It is the initiative of CORE Education, who also administers the service.
What BookTalks does: It connects pupils at schools, centres, clubs, organisations with authors and illustrators
BookTalks is an online service that enables readers at schools, education centres, clubs, and organisations with authors and illustrators to meet and talk.
Schools have often invited authors and illustrators to their school to speak to their pupils. The benefits of having an author or illustrator come and speak to pupils is enormous: it creates interest in reading, in writing, in art. Pupils are inspired by successful New Zealanders that have suceeded in their passion; they are seen as role models. The traditional method of "meeting the author" has required bringing the author to the school, which can be very costly and time-consuming for all concerned.
The BookTalks system enables pupils, classrooms, whole schools, clubs and organistions to meet authors and illustrators "in person" using video conferencing software called Skype. It reduces costs, as no travel expenses, accommodation, etc is involved.
BookTalks enables schools, education centres, and organisations to select from a wide range of New Zealand authors already signed up, who have made their times available for online meetings to take place. It is easy for a teacher, or educator to register, search for an author, illustrator, or a book, and then see the times available to make the appointment. The meeting takes place using skype over the internet, and for the school, a data projector and screen, and camera system.
Who can register to use BookTalks
Those who are welcome to register to use BookTalks are:
- New Zealand Authors
- New Zealand Illustrators
- Educators in early childhood, primary, and secondary school sectors
- Book clubs
- Writing course educators
- Writers' groups
- Art classes, clubs, organisations
Who runs BookTalks: CORE Education
BookTalks is the initiative of CORE Education, a research and professional development not-for-profit organisation in New Zealand. CORE administers the site and service for the good of the community, charging only a small adminstration component.
CORE Education has received support for the BookTalks project from the New Zealand Book Council.
Contact BookTalks
To enquire about BookTalks, you can make contact by use our online contact form.