Infrastructure Support and Services
Video and audio conferencing bridge
Infrastructure, Systems and Standards
The bridge is designed to support up to 96 concurrent video-conferencing users via a booking system. The Ministry of Education acts as a broker, this administrative component continues to support the Internet Protocol (IP) video-conferencing bridge which is also able to support audio-conferencing. Up to 300 concurrent audio-conferencing users can be supported or a mix of 48 video-conferencing and 96 audio-conference users.
The bridge can be accessed for audio conferencing by calling 0800 NZED NET (0800 693 363) and entering an audio PIN. Interested schools should register for their own Pin by calling the ICT Helpdesk for schools 0800 CALL ICT (0800 225 542).
TELA (Laptops for Teachers)
Infrastructure, Systems and Standards
This initiative gives all permanent full-time and part-time teachers in state and integrated schools the opportunity to access a leased laptop for a three-year period, with the Ministry meeting up to two-thirds of the total cost of leasing, and teachers or schools covering the remaining third.
Teachers must be working with year 1 to 13 classes for at least 50% FTE to be eligible.
Further information can be found on the Laptops for Teachers page.
Principals' laptops
Infrastructure, Systems and Standards
This programme was rolled out to all principals of state and integrated schools during 2002 and 2003.
All schools to date have been provided with a Ministry leased Principal's laptop. Laptops are replaced on an ongoing basis as leases expire. Further information can be found on the Laptops for Principals page.
Project probe
Infrastructure, Systems and Standards
Project PROBE (Provincial Broadband Extension) was a joint initiative between the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Economic Development.
Its aim was to provide rural schools and their local communities with the opportunity to connect to a broadband service, where there was currently no suitable infrastructure in place. Approximately 895 schools were assisted through a variety of technologies - primarily DSL, wireless and satellite links.
This project was completed in late 2005.
Contact: douglas.harre@minedu.govt.nz [no spam]
Schools' network infrastructure upgrade (Stage 2)
Infrastructure, Systems and Standards
The Small Schools Network Upgrade Programme was launched in September 2005. It was aimed initially at 300 small (i.e. with rolls of less than 77) predominantly rural schools that were identified as having no network infrastructure in place. A number of schools with rolls between 78 and 180 were also completed.
Schools were offered a subsidised network (cabling, server and associated hardware) that would support the type of services and applications that projects such as PROBE were now developing. By the end of this project in April 2007 around 350 schools had been upgraded.
The Schools Network Infrastructure Project is about bringing school networks (comprising of network cabling, switches and servers) up to an acceptable quality and providing a standard for networks to adhere to. The Ministry's role in this is to:
- set the standards for use;
- provide a process for schools to follow when upgrading their network;
- provide a list of preferred suppliers for cabling, switches and servers; and
- provide funding to schools, which have inferior network infrastructures, to help them achieve the standard.
Stage 2 was launched in April 2007 and is aimed at around 90 schools with rolls between 180 and 235.
Schools eligible for the next stage will be contacted directly by the Ministry of Education. Contact: Douglas.Harre@minedu.govt.nz [no spam].
Software licensing
Infrastructure, Systems and Standards
Microsoft/Antivirus/Apple/Novel software
These 4 products have been designated as offering basic infrastructure or business applications and have been funded through varying methods of centralised procurement.
This software is provided at no cost to schools. Delivery is through a range of resellers under contract to the Ministry of Education.
The renewal of these agreements for the period 2007-2009 was announced by the Minister of Education in April 2007.
ICT helpdesk for schools
Infrastructure, Systems and Standards
The ICT Helpdesk for Schools provides first level support for schools across a range of hardware and software applications.
The service was launched in early 2002 and was targeted initially at those schools in rural areas who had limited access to technical support.
Most calls are regarding hardware and associated software issues. Support has been provided through this channel for other applications such as the Microsoft Schools agreement, AsTTle, Schoolzone and the TELA programme.
Helpdesk services are available by calling 0800 CALL ICT (0800 225 542), or emailing callict@tki.org.nz [no spam]. Hours of operation are 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, Monday to Friday, excluding public holidays.
Details on the helpdesk operation, FAQs, hints, and other useful information, are available through the TKI website.
Recycled computers - learning power
Infrastructure, Systems and Standards
The Computer Access New Zealand (CANZ) Trust was set up to oversee the supply of cheap, warrantable recycled computers to New Zealand schools. CANZ works with accredited suppliers (currently Remarkit in Wellington and The Ark in Auckland.
Allied with this initiative are the Computers in Homes project. Through this scheme recycled computers are provided to families for use by children within the household.
Access to CANZ providers is at Computer Access New Zealand Trust (CANZ) website.