Information for schools

On this page you can information for schools about the National Education Network trial extension.


Background for schools

Since 2008, REANNZ has been operating a trial of a National Education Network for 23 schools on behalf of the Ministry of Education. The Ministry has agreed to extend the trial to June 2011 for up to 200 schools.

Schools with existing fibre connections are being invited to participate in the extended NEN trial. If your school already has access to fibre through an open access provider, or expects to have access by 30 June 2010, you may qualify to participate in the trial extension.

Benefits of the NEN

The potential of a NEN is to enable schools to access a range of services to support teaching and learning.  These services will range from administrative tools to innovative teaching/ learning services, off-site data backup, server virtualisation, e-asTTle, and access to specialist content providers.  Applications such as high definition video-conferencing will enable schools to collaborate with other schools, tertiary institutions and organisations such as the National Library and Te Papa.

Roles and the network

REANNZ will continue to deliver KAREN connectivity to schools. The target is to provide unrestricted broadband at 100Mbps or greater to the trial schools. High-speed broadband trials will also take place for some schools on satellite or wireless services.   In addition REANNZ will:

  • procure network services to connect schools to KAREN so they can access the NEN
  • arrange local connection support for KAREN and the NEN (not internal school networks)
  • arrange the provision of filtered internet
  • liaise with network and related suppliers
  • liaise with schools about their NEN connections

The Ministry of Education will be responsible for curriculum and administration applications and services provided over the NEN.  Wherever possible, NEN trial schools will be given priority for a network upgrade within the Ministry’s School Network Upgrade Project (SNUP).

School briefings on the NEN

A series of executive briefings for Principals of schools that may qualify for the trial were held during February and March to discuss the goals of the trial and explain what the implications might be for participating schools. Briefings were held at the following locations/dates:

  • North Shore, Monday 15 February
  • Christchurch, Tuesday 16 February
  • Wellington, Wednesday 17 February
  • Nelson, Monday 22 February
  • Palmerston North, Tuesday 2 March

Complete the NEN Schools Survey

To register your interest in participating in the NEN trial extension, please complete the NEN Schools Survey.  This will provide us with the necessary information to proceed with detailed planning for connecting your school to the NEN.


Resources and progress reports

Visit the NEN page on the KAREN wiki for resources including copies of the presentations given by Laurence and Douglas at the first round of briefings. Here you will also find implementation progress reports.

NEN page on the KAREN wiki


Related information

 

 

 

Updated 12 February 2010