NEN trial extension: Introduction
A National Education Network (NEN) is a dedicated network that enables schools to access a range of online education-related content and services to enhance learning and support collaboration and sharing of resources and knowledge. Examples of education networks already in use overseas include the London Grid for Learning (www.lgfl.net) and the California Research and Education Network (CalREN).
Since 2008, the Ministry of Education has been trialling a NEN in 23 schools around New Zealand. The trial was extended in 2010/11 and 2012/2013, with 100 schools now participating. This trial version of a NEN runs on KAREN (Kiwi Advanced Research and Education Network) an ultra-fast broadband pipe managed by Research and Education Advanced Network New Zealand (REANNZ), a not for profit Crown-owned company.
In October 2011, the Government announced its intention to establish a Network for Learning, a dedicated online network that will offer schools affordable access to online content and services to improve outcomes for learners.
At this stage it is expected that the Network will be progressively made available to schools from 2013. For more information see the Network for Learning page.
The NEN Trial will continue to inform planning for the development of the Network for Learning and the Ministry will work with Trial schools to ensure a smooth transition for those that wish to join, once the Network for Learning is available.
Findings from the evaluation of the Trial can be found on the NEN Trial area of the Virtual Learning Network.