NEN trial extension: questions and answers
National Education Network (NEN) trial extension - Updated April 2012
What is the purpose of the National Education Network (NEN) trial extension?
The primary purpose of the NEN trial extension is to identify and understand:
- technical, financial and practical issues involved in extending the trial to a larger number of schools including schools that were not previously on fibre, as well as schools working in a range of collaborative models
- technical and financial issues involved in connecting new content and service providers to the trial version of the NEN
- potential benefits for schools in relation to student outcomes, teaching and learning practices and administration practices
Findings from the trial are informing planning for the development of the Network for Learning.
What are the benefits for participating schools?
Schools involved in the NEN trial extension will have the opportunity to:
- collaborate with other trial schools as well as education organisations on the KAREN network using ultra-fast broadband
- reduce commodity internet charges over fibre given most education-related sites can be accessed via KAREN
- contribute to a better understanding of how the Network for Learning will benefit all New Zealand schools.
How is the NEN trial extension being evaluated?
The purpose of the NEN Trial evaluation is to inform planning for the development and implementation of a Network for Learning for all New Zealand schools.
The evaluation involves all schools in the NEN Trial and uses a range of methods to collect data including regular online surveys, monitoring of Internet use, questionnaires, interviews and classroom observations.
A group page has been established on the Ministry’s Virtual Learning Network (VLN) to encourage inter-school collaboration and a venue for publishing research reports from the evaluation.
NEN content and services
What content and services will trial schools be able to access over the NEN?
The trial version of the NEN offers high-speed access to education content from KAREN member sites in New Zealand (eg, Ministry of Education, the National Library and other education and research organisations) as well as to education resources in over 50 countries. This means, for example, that schools can quickly and easily download, upload and view large files including pictures and videos. Access to KAREN over fibre on the trial will enable whole class groups to participate in online learning opportunities at the same time.
Trial schools also have online access to a range of services such as e-asTTle (a Ministry of Education supported assessment tool) and E-cast/eTV, which videostreams television programmes relevant to schools. With the exception of the license fees, these services are funded by the Ministry and available to schools until the end of the trial.
A key feature of KAREN is access to the Karen Video Conferencing Service (KVCS); a dedicated video conferencing bridge which enables the use of tools such as Scopia. KAREN member schools can set up meetings and use the service. Non KAREN schools can also participate in meetings.
Some of the other services available for schools to access over KAREN include:
What support will schools receive during the trial?
Network cluster wranglers are assisting schools with technical issues relating to connecting to the NEN with regional support people assisting schools with making full use of content and services provided over the NEN trial.
Do schools in the trial retain their current Internet Service Provider?
Yes. While KAREN provides access to an extensive range of educational resources, schools need access to websites that are not accessible through KAREN. Trial schools still have to pay Internet Service Provider costs.
Will any more schools be able to join the NEN trial?
No. With the Network for Learning under development, there is no need for further expansion of the NEN Trial as schools will be able to join the Network for Learning directly, once it becomes progressively available from 2013.