Virtual Learning Network

Last week the VLN Community met with Marg McLeod, Acting Group Manager, Curriculum Teaching and Learning, and Eddie Reisch from the MOE to discuss the proposed Network for Learning.

‘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.’

It was great to see such a good turn out from the VLN Community, including many Principals from various clusters, to listen to Marg and be involved in discussion and consultation prior to the development of this initiative. As Marg discussed with us, here in NZ we have a more devolved approach to elearning developments compared to many other countries that push things through from the top down and the VLNC has an important role to play as early adopters. So now is the time to make sure you are involved in the consultation process, beginning at Learning@School and following up with regional seminars in 2012.

The following are some notes from Marg’s presentation":

UFB in Schools – Strategic Issues:

• Use of ICT in classroom teaching and learning
• Changing patterns of educational provision
• Formal and informal learning
• Supporting learning networks for professional practice
• Public engagement on education issues
• More informed parents, communities, and then general public

Expected Benefits:

• more equitable access to online learning opportunities
• more effective sharing of resources and knowledge
• reduced ICT complexity and cost
• increased operational efficiencies
• improved connection and collaboration between learners, teachers, school leaders and school communities.
• opportunity to move to more modern learning environments that support 21st Century education delivery
• lift in student achievement through greater engagement driven by innovative approaches to teaching and learning

Why UFB in Schools?:

• Online world now integral to students’ lives
• Increasing evidence that learning in online environments can significantly enhance engagement and lift achievement.
• Particularly effective for students who are underserved by traditional teaching methods
• Potential for increasing collaborative learning opportunities can particularly suit preferred learning styles of many Māori and Pasifika learners

What the MoE is Currently Doing:

• Providing information and support for schools pre, during and post UFB connection
• Supporting schools in upgrading internal network infrastructure to be ‘UFB-ready’ via SNUP
• Providing hardware and software
• Supporting schools in building e-Learning capability
• Establishing a Network for Learning to optimise the Government’s investment in UFB to improve outcomes for learners

KAREN & the NEN trial?:

• Ministry currently undertaking trial with 102 schools, using REANNZ’s KAREN network as backbone
• Trial investigating issues and opportunities for schools in accessing online content and services over a dedicated network
• Findings are informing planning for development and implementation of the Network for Learning
• KAREN’s role in the Network for Learning will be determined as part of procurement process

A N4L for NZ Schools:

• Progressively available to schools from 2013
• Intention is all schools will be able to join
• Not mandatory – therefore benefits need to be clear and compelling
• Network will be the channel for education content and service delivery
• Major implications for the way the Ministry and other agencies deliver content and services to schools