A Network for Learning
What is the Network for Learning?
The Network for Learning will be a dedicated online network for schools, which will run over the ultra-fast broadband infrastructure currently being rolled out across New Zealand. The Network for Learning, available progressively from 2013, will provide schools with affordable, safe, ultra-fast internet access as well as a range of online content and centrally-procured services.
Over the next five years, 97.7 per cent of schools will receive ultra-fast broadband connections enabling speeds of 100 Mbps. The remaining schools, which are in the most remote locations, will receive a high speed wireless or satellite connection.
Why is the Government doing this?
The roll out of ultra-fast broadband will lead to increasing demand for online education-related content and services among schools.
The Government wants to ensure that schools make the most of ultra-fast broadband and the educational benefits that go with it, while lowering the costs for schools. Through centralised procurement and management of online services, a Network for Learning will considerably reduce ICT complexity and cost for schools.
Will it be compulsory for schools to join?
No, it will not be compulsory for schools to join. However, the value that the Network for Learning will offer schools will be significant and it is likely that most, if not all, schools will want to participate.
What cost benefits will there be for schools?
There will be significant savings for schools. The backing of government and the combined purchasing power of schools will enable the Ministry to procure ultra-fast broadband internet access and other services much more cost-effectively than individual schools could obtain on their own.
The Network for Learning will represent much greater value for schools than they can obtain via the existing arrangements and should therefore make access to online content and services much more affordable for all schools.
Will schools have to pay to use the Network?
Just as schools now need to meet the cost of their internet access, they will need to pay for access to the Network for Learning. However the Network will offer significant value to schools, as the range of content and services that they will be able to access will be at considerably lower cost than they could obtain by themselves.
What services will be available?
The Network will offer schools a core package of services such as internet access, firewalling, filtering and helpdesk support as well as access to popular content and services that are already in use by most schools. Examples could include access to collections of quality multi-media resources, high-definition video conferencing, learning management systems, e-portfolios and offsite data backup and storage (essential for disaster recovery).
Services will be determined in consultation with schools and during negotiations with providers.
What support and training will schools receive to use the Network?
The Ministry invests $11.2 million each year in ICT professional development for teachers. Further help, including technical support, will be provided on an ongoing basis to schools to assist them in getting the most out of the Network.
When will the Network be available?
The Network is expected to be progressively available to New Zealand schools from 2013 onwards.
When and how will the Network be procured?
A robust procurement process to obtain a supplier for the Network and providers of associated services is being undertaken.
A Request for Proposal for the technical network and core services, including ultra-fast broadband internet access, firewalling and filtering has been published on GETS. Suppliers have six weeks to respond and the Ministry of Education expects to evaluate all responses by late August 2012. A contract with the preferred network and core services supplier is likely to be awarded mid-December 2012.
The Request for Proposal document has been informed through extensive consultation to ensure the needs and views of potential users are considered in the development of the Network for Learning. Further procurement will be undertaken to establish additional content and services.
How will the Network be governed and managed?
The Ministry of Education is working to establish the Crown-owned company which will run the Network for Learning. It is likely the company will be set up by July 2012.
What should schools do in the meantime?
It is recommended that schools receiving their fibre connection before 2013 should negotiate contracts of no longer than two years with their chosen service provider to ensure they can join the Network for Learning when it becomes available. Schools should also check what penalties may be incurred for early termination of contracts and where possible negotiate to remove or reduce these.
What consultation will be carried out to ensure the views of potential users are represented?
The Ministry will engage with a wide range of agencies and key education sector groups to ensure the viewpoints of all potential users and suppliers are taken into account in the development of the Network. An update on progress will be provided to schools in early 2012.
Will schools that were on fibre before the Government roll out be able to join the Network for Learning?
All schools will be able to join the Network for Learning. The Ministry will be working with established fibre loops and schools in a variety of other existing arrangements to determine how participating schools might be connected to a Network for Learning in the future. The National Education Network (NEN) trial extension is already exploring some of these issues.
Will schools that are in regions too remote for ultra-fast broadband access be able to join?
The intention is that all schools will be able to join the Network for Learning. However some services that require ultra-fast broadband speeds such as high-definition video conferencing may not perform optimally for schools that are not on ultra-fast broadband.
Will independent schools be able to join?
All schools will be able to join the Network for Learning. As with other Government funded initiatives a different cost structure may apply for independent schools.
Are there other education networks of this type in use overseas?
Yes, for example, the London Grid for Learning.