UPDATES
School principal joins N4L
Mar 20 2013
N4L is excited to welcome school principal Carolyn Stuart to its senior leadership team. Carolyn fills the newly created role of Education Sector Lead, where she will be working collaboratively with principals, school leaders and other education sector representatives to ensure N4L's services and operations are constantly in tune with their needs.
She will be responsible for alerting N4L to the opportunities and challenges facing schools as they progress on their journey of bringing new technologies and digital learning resources into the classroom.
Carolyn is no stranger to e-learning and the New Zealand school community. She comes to N4L following 13 years as a principal; firstly at a rural school in Canterbury and most recently at Wellington's Tawa Intermediate. In recent years Tawa Intermediate has welcomed many visitors who have come to witness the school's use of Google Apps, MyPortfolio and other cloud-based applications. Many of her students have brought their own devices, as she's encouraged their use to complement the e-learning experience.
As a former Project Director for two ICT Professional Development (ICTPD) Cluster, Carolyn worked with other school leaders to transform thinking and best practices around information and communication technologies. She is also well-known throughout the education conference speaking circuit; has made regular contributions to the NZ Principals Today magazine and was involved with First Time and Aspiring Principals programmes.
A big and important part of N4L's services will include offering a diverse range of world-class teaching and learning resources that make it easier for schools to teach, assess and ultimately improve student achievement. This content and related services will be added over time and Carolyn and other members of the N4L team will be constantly reaching out to schools to ask for their input on this.
N4L recognises that in many cases there have been several years of great progress and knowledge built up in schools from their existing technology and e-learning initiatives. It is in everyone's interest to retain the benefits gained from these, and Carolyn will ensure these opportunities are identified, reviewed, and included in N4L's programme where it makes sense to do so.
Carolyn will be based in the N4L Wellington office but will spend most of her time in the school community.
She leaves Tawa Intermediate at the end of term 1 and joins N4L on 8 May.
She will be responsible for alerting N4L to the opportunities and challenges facing schools as they progress on their journey of bringing new technologies and digital learning resources into the classroom.
Carolyn is no stranger to e-learning and the New Zealand school community. She comes to N4L following 13 years as a principal; firstly at a rural school in Canterbury and most recently at Wellington's Tawa Intermediate. In recent years Tawa Intermediate has welcomed many visitors who have come to witness the school's use of Google Apps, MyPortfolio and other cloud-based applications. Many of her students have brought their own devices, as she's encouraged their use to complement the e-learning experience.
As a former Project Director for two ICT Professional Development (ICTPD) Cluster, Carolyn worked with other school leaders to transform thinking and best practices around information and communication technologies. She is also well-known throughout the education conference speaking circuit; has made regular contributions to the NZ Principals Today magazine and was involved with First Time and Aspiring Principals programmes.
A big and important part of N4L's services will include offering a diverse range of world-class teaching and learning resources that make it easier for schools to teach, assess and ultimately improve student achievement. This content and related services will be added over time and Carolyn and other members of the N4L team will be constantly reaching out to schools to ask for their input on this.
N4L recognises that in many cases there have been several years of great progress and knowledge built up in schools from their existing technology and e-learning initiatives. It is in everyone's interest to retain the benefits gained from these, and Carolyn will ensure these opportunities are identified, reviewed, and included in N4L's programme where it makes sense to do so.
Carolyn will be based in the N4L Wellington office but will spend most of her time in the school community.
She leaves Tawa Intermediate at the end of term 1 and joins N4L on 8 May.
N4L team boosted by new talent
Feb 4 2013
Following the appointment of a Chief Executive Officer in December, newly formed N4L has since filled three key full-time roles to help fulfil the company's goal of delivering a fast, reliable and safe online educational network for New Zealand schools. Here are the new N4L team members and a summary of what they'll be up to over the next few months:
Jeremy Nees Chief Technology Officer
As CTO, Jeremy will design the network that will connect the schools to a safe, secure and high quality online learning environment. This will involve working with the selected retail internet service provider/s to ensure the schools receive guaranteed network performance levels and minimum internet speeds regardless of their location and time of day.
Jeremy is now a key member of the team working to finalise the service provider selection process. With the need to ensure that the managed network for schools is guaranteed , reliable, uncapped, and at speeds well exceeding what they are currently experiencing, the decision is now expected to be announced in the coming months.
With over 12 years experience as an architect, consultant and engineer, Jeremy brings a wealth of experience to N4L. In addition to his previous roles as the lead technology architect and product development manager at a prominent internet services provider and datacentre company, Jeremy helped lead the first deployment of a centralised Learning System in the UK.
Chris South Head of Dynamic Services
Chris is responsible for the content and services appearing across the N4L network. This includes evaluating and securing arrangements with companies that provide solutions which allow schools to consume, share, store and create information anywhere and any time. These innovative solutions will be introduced progressively and will be designed to inspire students and educators to create high quality e-learning experiences in a secure online environment.
Chris has more than 20 years of technology experience in the UK and NZ. Prior to joining N4L he was a principal architect at Gen-i, where he looked at how cloud computing and mobile technologies could be applied to achieve demonstrable benefits to customers.
Andy Schick Market Manager, Education
You are going to see a lot of Andy. He's responsible for introducing the education sector to N4L, explaining what the company is trying to achieve and how it's going to get there. Most importantly, he'll be actively liaising with the school communities (principals, school leaders, teachers, students, trustees and families) to ensure N4L is responsive to their evolving needs.
Andy is part of the team that will provide regular updates on N4L's progress and activities, including stories from schools who have signed up to N4L services. Before moving into the world of technology, Andy was involved with social justice efforts in Australia, the US and Europe, where he worked with non-profit organisations and schools to help drive community transformations.
Prior to joining N4L Andy ran a residential internet service provider where he managed marketing and communications to wholesalers and residents, while delivering new products and services across the network. His start-up experience includes founding an online backup solution business which became the largest of its kind in New Zealand within two years.
The N4L team is growing at a steady pace and we expect to announce additional team members in the coming weeks. Watch this space (the N4L website) for updates!
Jeremy Nees Chief Technology Officer
As CTO, Jeremy will design the network that will connect the schools to a safe, secure and high quality online learning environment. This will involve working with the selected retail internet service provider/s to ensure the schools receive guaranteed network performance levels and minimum internet speeds regardless of their location and time of day.
Jeremy is now a key member of the team working to finalise the service provider selection process. With the need to ensure that the managed network for schools is guaranteed , reliable, uncapped, and at speeds well exceeding what they are currently experiencing, the decision is now expected to be announced in the coming months.
With over 12 years experience as an architect, consultant and engineer, Jeremy brings a wealth of experience to N4L. In addition to his previous roles as the lead technology architect and product development manager at a prominent internet services provider and datacentre company, Jeremy helped lead the first deployment of a centralised Learning System in the UK.
Chris South Head of Dynamic Services
Chris is responsible for the content and services appearing across the N4L network. This includes evaluating and securing arrangements with companies that provide solutions which allow schools to consume, share, store and create information anywhere and any time. These innovative solutions will be introduced progressively and will be designed to inspire students and educators to create high quality e-learning experiences in a secure online environment.
Chris has more than 20 years of technology experience in the UK and NZ. Prior to joining N4L he was a principal architect at Gen-i, where he looked at how cloud computing and mobile technologies could be applied to achieve demonstrable benefits to customers.
Andy Schick Market Manager, Education
You are going to see a lot of Andy. He's responsible for introducing the education sector to N4L, explaining what the company is trying to achieve and how it's going to get there. Most importantly, he'll be actively liaising with the school communities (principals, school leaders, teachers, students, trustees and families) to ensure N4L is responsive to their evolving needs.
Andy is part of the team that will provide regular updates on N4L's progress and activities, including stories from schools who have signed up to N4L services. Before moving into the world of technology, Andy was involved with social justice efforts in Australia, the US and Europe, where he worked with non-profit organisations and schools to help drive community transformations.
Prior to joining N4L Andy ran a residential internet service provider where he managed marketing and communications to wholesalers and residents, while delivering new products and services across the network. His start-up experience includes founding an online backup solution business which became the largest of its kind in New Zealand within two years.
The N4L team is growing at a steady pace and we expect to announce additional team members in the coming weeks. Watch this space (the N4L website) for updates!
Final winners in N4L iPad2 draw
Dec 10 2012
The final draws have been made in N4L's Term 4 competition. Melissa Marriot, Year 9 at New
Plymouth Girls High School, and Cheryl Torrie, Year 5 at Awapuni School in Gisborne, have each won
an iPad2 for their school and a $50 iTunes voucher for themselves. Congratulations!
For the competition, entrants were asked to send in a visual example of how they used the Internet
to learn digitally. Melissa used an art website to improve her art and submitted a drawing of the Iron
Man, while Cheryl researched the internet to put together a "Nude Food Day" for her school, then
blogged about it on the school's blog.
That's the last of N4L's random draws, which brings the competition to a close, but stand by for the
judges' decisions on the most creative entries! The four entries deemed to be the most creative will
each win an iPad2 for their school and an iTunes voucher for themselves.
The winners will be announced soon...
Plymouth Girls High School, and Cheryl Torrie, Year 5 at Awapuni School in Gisborne, have each won
an iPad2 for their school and a $50 iTunes voucher for themselves. Congratulations!
For the competition, entrants were asked to send in a visual example of how they used the Internet
to learn digitally. Melissa used an art website to improve her art and submitted a drawing of the Iron
Man, while Cheryl researched the internet to put together a "Nude Food Day" for her school, then
blogged about it on the school's blog.
That's the last of N4L's random draws, which brings the competition to a close, but stand by for the
judges' decisions on the most creative entries! The four entries deemed to be the most creative will
each win an iPad2 for their school and an iTunes voucher for themselves.
The winners will be announced soon...
Ultra-fast network for schools speeds up with CEO appointment
Nov 22 2012
Former telco boss John Hanna to lead Network for Learning.
New Zealand's 2,600 schools are another step closer to getting safe and affordable ultra-fast internet with the appointment of a chief executive officer, John Hanna, to lead the organisation tasked with making it happen.
In addition to providing internet connectivity, The Network for Learning Limited (N4L), a crown-owned company formed in July 2012, will supply 800,000-plus school learners a range of online content and centrally-procured services, making it the biggest network of its kind in the country.
Mr Hanna, a former telecommunications company CEO with more than 30 years of technology experience, will be responsible for forming the N4L team, which is expected to employ approximately 40 staff across Auckland and Wellington. His official N4L start date is 3 December.
N4L Chair Helen Robinson says the appointment of Mr Hanna is the next step in progressing the company's mission to use technology as a catalyst for helping improve educational outcomes: "John has the right mix of technology, telecommunications and business acumen to drive the company forward and execute the aggressive strategy the board has developed for this initiative."
For the three years prior to joining N4L, Mr Hanna was CEO of internet and data centre services provider Maxnet, where in addition to growing and grooming the company for its eventual sale, he observed first-hand how schools can struggle with connectivity issues and technology. He joins N4L following 18 years holding leadership positions within local and multinational technology companies.
As CEO, Mr Hanna will be working with the board and his new team to bring network for learning services to market, including high definition video conferencing, multi-media resources, learning management systems, offsite data backup and storage, and a range of curriculum-enhancing applications which schools can elect to use as part of N4L's core packaged services or for a minimal cost.
"I am very excited to be involved in something that is going to make such a difference to the growth of New Zealand's future leaders and businesses" says Mr Hanna. "The more we can empower our children from a digital and knowledge perspective, the more they will have the option to make a difference in the type of businesses that will drive New Zealand forward."
One of Mr Hanna's first tasks as CEO will be to announce the retail service providers which successfully tendered for a contract to connect the schools to ultra-fast internet. An announcement is expected before Christmas, and it is anticipated that N4L services will be available to schools by April 2013.
N4L has two shareholding Ministers (Finance and Education), and the government has earmarked $440m for the network service including content and applications. The services will be provided at little or no cost to schools and will run over New Zealand's ultra-fast broadband (UFB) infrastructure, the Rural Broadband Initiative (RBI) as well as the other high-speed (ADSL) broadband connections.
Over the next five years, 97 percent of schools will receive UFB connections enabling speeds of 100Mbps-plus. The remaining three percent of schools, which are in the most remote locations, will receive a high-speed wireless or satellite connection.
New Zealand's 2,600 schools are another step closer to getting safe and affordable ultra-fast internet with the appointment of a chief executive officer, John Hanna, to lead the organisation tasked with making it happen.
In addition to providing internet connectivity, The Network for Learning Limited (N4L), a crown-owned company formed in July 2012, will supply 800,000-plus school learners a range of online content and centrally-procured services, making it the biggest network of its kind in the country.
Mr Hanna, a former telecommunications company CEO with more than 30 years of technology experience, will be responsible for forming the N4L team, which is expected to employ approximately 40 staff across Auckland and Wellington. His official N4L start date is 3 December.
N4L Chair Helen Robinson says the appointment of Mr Hanna is the next step in progressing the company's mission to use technology as a catalyst for helping improve educational outcomes: "John has the right mix of technology, telecommunications and business acumen to drive the company forward and execute the aggressive strategy the board has developed for this initiative."
For the three years prior to joining N4L, Mr Hanna was CEO of internet and data centre services provider Maxnet, where in addition to growing and grooming the company for its eventual sale, he observed first-hand how schools can struggle with connectivity issues and technology. He joins N4L following 18 years holding leadership positions within local and multinational technology companies.
As CEO, Mr Hanna will be working with the board and his new team to bring network for learning services to market, including high definition video conferencing, multi-media resources, learning management systems, offsite data backup and storage, and a range of curriculum-enhancing applications which schools can elect to use as part of N4L's core packaged services or for a minimal cost.
"I am very excited to be involved in something that is going to make such a difference to the growth of New Zealand's future leaders and businesses" says Mr Hanna. "The more we can empower our children from a digital and knowledge perspective, the more they will have the option to make a difference in the type of businesses that will drive New Zealand forward."
One of Mr Hanna's first tasks as CEO will be to announce the retail service providers which successfully tendered for a contract to connect the schools to ultra-fast internet. An announcement is expected before Christmas, and it is anticipated that N4L services will be available to schools by April 2013.
N4L has two shareholding Ministers (Finance and Education), and the government has earmarked $440m for the network service including content and applications. The services will be provided at little or no cost to schools and will run over New Zealand's ultra-fast broadband (UFB) infrastructure, the Rural Broadband Initiative (RBI) as well as the other high-speed (ADSL) broadband connections.
Over the next five years, 97 percent of schools will receive UFB connections enabling speeds of 100Mbps-plus. The remaining three percent of schools, which are in the most remote locations, will receive a high-speed wireless or satellite connection.
Helen Robinson announces N4L launch & Term 4 schools competition
Oct 22 2012
Dear Principals and Teachers
At the uLearn Education Conference in Auckland recently we were delighted to launch our website: www.n4l.co.nz and our vision of unleashing learner potential.
Our aim at The Network for Learning (N4L) is to engage students in their learning by making digital technology and authentic content accessible for all schools.
We need your input...
Understanding how we can help your school is a really crucial step. We know that you - the teachers - are a key interface with students, and that our role is to be a supporting catalyst. So, it's important that you let us know which products and services you feel will be the most beneficial for your school.
Please visit www.n4l.co.nz and share your thoughts. You can do this any time using the feedback form in the '4 Teachers' section of the website.
iPads to be won!
During Term 4 we thought it would be really useful to gather students' thoughts and ideas, and therefore we're running a competition with iPads to be won for your school (10 in total) plus a $50 iTunes voucher for the winning students.
This programme is designed to help N4L better understand how students use the internet and digital technology to inspire their own learning. It will help inform our own thinking and keep us always focused on our learners' needs.
Full details about the competition are available at www.n4l.co.nz/competition
Please pass this message on to as many teachers as possible.
Have a great Term 4. We look forward to hearing from you and seeing great creative works coming in from students.
Best regards,
HELEN ROBINSON
Chair
The Network for Learning Limited
At the uLearn Education Conference in Auckland recently we were delighted to launch our website: www.n4l.co.nz and our vision of unleashing learner potential.
Our aim at The Network for Learning (N4L) is to engage students in their learning by making digital technology and authentic content accessible for all schools.
We need your input...
Understanding how we can help your school is a really crucial step. We know that you - the teachers - are a key interface with students, and that our role is to be a supporting catalyst. So, it's important that you let us know which products and services you feel will be the most beneficial for your school.
Please visit www.n4l.co.nz and share your thoughts. You can do this any time using the feedback form in the '4 Teachers' section of the website.
iPads to be won!
During Term 4 we thought it would be really useful to gather students' thoughts and ideas, and therefore we're running a competition with iPads to be won for your school (10 in total) plus a $50 iTunes voucher for the winning students.
This programme is designed to help N4L better understand how students use the internet and digital technology to inspire their own learning. It will help inform our own thinking and keep us always focused on our learners' needs.
Full details about the competition are available at www.n4l.co.nz/competition
Please pass this message on to as many teachers as possible.
Have a great Term 4. We look forward to hearing from you and seeing great creative works coming in from students.
Best regards,
HELEN ROBINSON
Chair
The Network for Learning Limited
N4L Website Launched
Oct 10 2012
Helen Robinson, Chair of The Network for Learning, opened the uLearn Education Conference in Auckland today and launched the N4L website. She encouraged conference attendees to visit the website and welcomed their feedback on what services the company could provide and what content would be useful. "We're excited to begin the two way conversation, and move to provide services to help engage learners" she said.
Helen Robinson introduces The Network for Learning
Sep 17 2012
Kia ora koutou
You may have heard that schools throughout the country are about to receive online learning resources and fast connectivity to the internet via The Network for Learning Limited, an organisation which was set up a matter of weeks ago.
We are delighted that the government has allocated some $400m during the next decade and that these Network for Learning fast connectivity and core services will come at little or no cost to schools and kura.
Our mission is to help schools and kura, educators, Boards of Trustees, communities, and most importantly students, to unleash learning potential by embedding fast, dynamic, 'learning-to-learn' technologies and services.
The Network for Learning will provide a package to all schools, whether you're connected via Ultra Fast Broadband (UFB) or the Rural Broadband Initiative, so that you get not only fast, quality connectivity but also curriculum enhancing service offerings. These are likely to include high definition video conferencing, safe and secure internet, and a range of innovative applications. More will be added over time as technology progresses and we learn about what is important to you.
We will be working hard to assess and provide as many appropriate online resources as possible, either as part of the core package or as additional options. These services are likely to be a 'pick and mix' so you can select what is important to you and your learning community.
So, what do we need you to do?
Right now we need you to focus on professional learning and development so when The Network for Learning's offerings are in place you can use the technology and benefits available. We know local fibre companies, rural broadband teams and the Ministry of Education are working to connect schools but our recommendation is that you do not lock your school into long term contracts (beyond one year) with broadband suppliers until you know what our service timeline looks like.
We will be making announcements and providing regular updates during the coming months, the next of which will be at the opening of the ULearn conference in Auckland on 11 October 2012. I hope to meet as many of you there as possible.
It's early days, but we wanted to share this short update with you. Please feel free to be in touch via the contact details below with any feedback or questions you may have.
We are committed to seeking your advice and input, and are delighted and honoured to work with you all to ensure our students, and indeed New Zealand as a whole, receive ultimate value and benefits from this incredible initiative.
HELEN ROBINSON
Chair
The Network for Learning Limited
You may have heard that schools throughout the country are about to receive online learning resources and fast connectivity to the internet via The Network for Learning Limited, an organisation which was set up a matter of weeks ago.
We are delighted that the government has allocated some $400m during the next decade and that these Network for Learning fast connectivity and core services will come at little or no cost to schools and kura.
Our mission is to help schools and kura, educators, Boards of Trustees, communities, and most importantly students, to unleash learning potential by embedding fast, dynamic, 'learning-to-learn' technologies and services.
The Network for Learning will provide a package to all schools, whether you're connected via Ultra Fast Broadband (UFB) or the Rural Broadband Initiative, so that you get not only fast, quality connectivity but also curriculum enhancing service offerings. These are likely to include high definition video conferencing, safe and secure internet, and a range of innovative applications. More will be added over time as technology progresses and we learn about what is important to you.
We will be working hard to assess and provide as many appropriate online resources as possible, either as part of the core package or as additional options. These services are likely to be a 'pick and mix' so you can select what is important to you and your learning community.
So, what do we need you to do?
Right now we need you to focus on professional learning and development so when The Network for Learning's offerings are in place you can use the technology and benefits available. We know local fibre companies, rural broadband teams and the Ministry of Education are working to connect schools but our recommendation is that you do not lock your school into long term contracts (beyond one year) with broadband suppliers until you know what our service timeline looks like.
We will be making announcements and providing regular updates during the coming months, the next of which will be at the opening of the ULearn conference in Auckland on 11 October 2012. I hope to meet as many of you there as possible.
It's early days, but we wanted to share this short update with you. Please feel free to be in touch via the contact details below with any feedback or questions you may have.
We are committed to seeking your advice and input, and are delighted and honoured to work with you all to ensure our students, and indeed New Zealand as a whole, receive ultimate value and benefits from this incredible initiative.
HELEN ROBINSON
Chair
The Network for Learning Limited
N4L Board Appointments
Jun 21 2012
Education Minister Hekia Parata has today announced the appointments to the inaugural board of the new Crown-owned company to operate and manage the Network for Learning.
Helen Robinson has been appointed as Chair and Mark Yeoman Deputy Chair.
Martin Wylie, Rick Shera, Linda Tame and Humphrey Wikeepa have been appointed as directors of the board of Network for Learning Limited.
Ms Parata says she is confident that the mix of Information and Communications Technology (ICT), commercial, governance and education skills and experience on the board will ensure the Network for Learning is delivered to schools progressively from mid 2013 as planned.
Network for Learning Limited will be established on July 2, 2012 as a separate entity with its own chief executive but will have an on-going relationship with the Ministry of Education.
"The first task for the new board will be to identify a chief executive and together they will lead the negotiations to finalise a contract with a network services supplier by the end of the year," says Ms Parata.
"With a board and chief executive in place we will be even closer to delivering an online network for schools that will enable improved access to education resources for learners and help lift student achievement."
Board members:
Helen Robinson - Twenty-five years' experience in technology companies, including Chief Executive of Microsoft New Zealand, Director at NIWA and New Zealand Business Excellence Foundation.
Mark Yeoman - Currently Chief Financial Officer at New Zealand Post. Previous Chief Executive roles in Airways New Zealand, at SamoaTel.
Martin Wylie - Currently Managing Director of a Private Venture Equity with previous Chief Executive roles for two internet service providers.
Rick Shera - Currently chairing internet safety NGO NetSafe. Has a long involvement with InternetNZ. Partner at Lowndes Jordan.
Linda Tame - Lincoln High School Principal, Principals' Reference Group, Executive of Secondary Principals' Association of New Zealand, NZ Curriculum Advisory Group, Lincoln University Council Member.
Humphrey Wikeepa - Currently Chief Information Officer (Acting) at Te Whare Wananga O Awanuiarangi. On the Board of Ultra-fast Broadband in Schools Governance Group.
Helen Robinson has been appointed as Chair and Mark Yeoman Deputy Chair.
Martin Wylie, Rick Shera, Linda Tame and Humphrey Wikeepa have been appointed as directors of the board of Network for Learning Limited.
Ms Parata says she is confident that the mix of Information and Communications Technology (ICT), commercial, governance and education skills and experience on the board will ensure the Network for Learning is delivered to schools progressively from mid 2013 as planned.
Network for Learning Limited will be established on July 2, 2012 as a separate entity with its own chief executive but will have an on-going relationship with the Ministry of Education.
"The first task for the new board will be to identify a chief executive and together they will lead the negotiations to finalise a contract with a network services supplier by the end of the year," says Ms Parata.
"With a board and chief executive in place we will be even closer to delivering an online network for schools that will enable improved access to education resources for learners and help lift student achievement."
Board members:
Helen Robinson - Twenty-five years' experience in technology companies, including Chief Executive of Microsoft New Zealand, Director at NIWA and New Zealand Business Excellence Foundation.
Mark Yeoman - Currently Chief Financial Officer at New Zealand Post. Previous Chief Executive roles in Airways New Zealand, at SamoaTel.
Martin Wylie - Currently Managing Director of a Private Venture Equity with previous Chief Executive roles for two internet service providers.
Rick Shera - Currently chairing internet safety NGO NetSafe. Has a long involvement with InternetNZ. Partner at Lowndes Jordan.
Linda Tame - Lincoln High School Principal, Principals' Reference Group, Executive of Secondary Principals' Association of New Zealand, NZ Curriculum Advisory Group, Lincoln University Council Member.
Humphrey Wikeepa - Currently Chief Information Officer (Acting) at Te Whare Wananga O Awanuiarangi. On the Board of Ultra-fast Broadband in Schools Governance Group.
Network for Learning a step closer
May 9 2012
Education Minister, Hekia Parata, today announced that the Ministry of Education is seeking a network services provider for the Network for Learning, an online network that will enable improved access to education resources for learners.
Suppliers are being asked to present innovative proposals to deliver network services such as internet access, firewalling, filtering and network helpdesk services.
Ms Parata says that the Government wants to ensure the Network for Learning can deliver a cost-effective solution for schools.
"As well as substantially reducing ICT cost and complexity for schools, the Network will support greater collaboration and sharing of resources between learners, teachers, school leaders and communities around the country," says Ms Parata.
"The Network for Learning will provide kura and schools with a range of core services and online content to enable 21st century education delivery to improve outcomes for learners."
Suppliers are asked to respond to the request for proposals by late June 2012. A contract is expected to be awarded by the end of 2012 which means that the Ministry is on track to have the Network for Learning progressively available to schools from mid-2013 onwards.
Ms Parata also announced that over the next few months a new Crown-owned company will be established to run the Network for Learning.
Suppliers are being asked to present innovative proposals to deliver network services such as internet access, firewalling, filtering and network helpdesk services.
Ms Parata says that the Government wants to ensure the Network for Learning can deliver a cost-effective solution for schools.
"As well as substantially reducing ICT cost and complexity for schools, the Network will support greater collaboration and sharing of resources between learners, teachers, school leaders and communities around the country," says Ms Parata.
"The Network for Learning will provide kura and schools with a range of core services and online content to enable 21st century education delivery to improve outcomes for learners."
Suppliers are asked to respond to the request for proposals by late June 2012. A contract is expected to be awarded by the end of 2012 which means that the Ministry is on track to have the Network for Learning progressively available to schools from mid-2013 onwards.
Ms Parata also announced that over the next few months a new Crown-owned company will be established to run the Network for Learning.
Network for Learning Approved
Oct 30 2011
Education Minister Anne Tolley has announced that a dedicated nationwide online network for New Zealand schools will be developed, to ensure that teaching and learning is at the forefront of global educational developments and makes the most of new technology.
The safe, secure system, called the Network for Learning, is estimated to cost between $300 -$400 million over the next 10 years, and will provide high-quality educational content and resources to schools and students, to help lift achievement for young New Zealanders wherever they are across the country.
The Network for Learning, which will be available from 2013, will also simplify and substantially reduce costs for schools accessing ICT content and services, including the cost of internet connections.
"This is hugely exciting for education in New Zealand," says Mrs Tolley.
"The scale and complexity of the Network for Learning is enormous - with potentially over 2500 schools and more than 800,000 users this will be the biggest network of its kind in the country.
"The Network for Learning will ensure that schools get the most from their ultra-fast broadband connection, and will provide them with affordable access to the latest ICT teaching and learning developments.
"Location will no longer be a barrier for accessing courses. For the very first time every rural and urban school will be able to connect with each other to collaborate and share resources and best practice. For example, a student at a small rural school could take part in a specialist teaching class via state of the art video-conferencing with a large city school.
"Importantly, the Network for Learning will provide a safe and reliable environment, and will also allow schools to share information with parents.
"The benefits for students, families and teachers will be tremendous and we will work closely with the education sector to make sure it delivers the lift in achievement levels that our young people deserve and that parents want for their children."
The Ministry of Education is working on the next steps for procuring the technical network, and determining how the Network for Learning will be governed and managed.
The Network is expected to be progressively available to schools from 2013. An update on progress will be provided in early 2012.
Follow link for questions and answers.
The safe, secure system, called the Network for Learning, is estimated to cost between $300 -$400 million over the next 10 years, and will provide high-quality educational content and resources to schools and students, to help lift achievement for young New Zealanders wherever they are across the country.
The Network for Learning, which will be available from 2013, will also simplify and substantially reduce costs for schools accessing ICT content and services, including the cost of internet connections.
"This is hugely exciting for education in New Zealand," says Mrs Tolley.
"The scale and complexity of the Network for Learning is enormous - with potentially over 2500 schools and more than 800,000 users this will be the biggest network of its kind in the country.
"The Network for Learning will ensure that schools get the most from their ultra-fast broadband connection, and will provide them with affordable access to the latest ICT teaching and learning developments.
"Location will no longer be a barrier for accessing courses. For the very first time every rural and urban school will be able to connect with each other to collaborate and share resources and best practice. For example, a student at a small rural school could take part in a specialist teaching class via state of the art video-conferencing with a large city school.
"Importantly, the Network for Learning will provide a safe and reliable environment, and will also allow schools to share information with parents.
"The benefits for students, families and teachers will be tremendous and we will work closely with the education sector to make sure it delivers the lift in achievement levels that our young people deserve and that parents want for their children."
The Ministry of Education is working on the next steps for procuring the technical network, and determining how the Network for Learning will be governed and managed.
The Network is expected to be progressively available to schools from 2013. An update on progress will be provided in early 2012.
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