Schools sign up for new network

Schools sign up for new network

Schools are rapidly signing up to be part of the Greater Christchurch Schools Network set up to transform student learning by linking schools with high speed large capability internet.

The Schools Network is an initiative of Christchurch-based educational research and development organisation CORE Education, economic development agency Canterbury Development Corporation, and fibre network provider Enable Networks.

The network will allow schools to effectively access and share content with other schools; participate in real time video conferencing and virtual classrooms; access innovative education, ICT and communications service providers; and connect securely to the internet at high speed.

Champion Canterbury 2009 Service Award winner Enable Networks will provide a 1 Gigabit connection to each school so there is virtually unlimited bandwidth to provide connection between schools as well as up to 100Mbps to the internet. Additional bandwidth will also be available for IP voice and video which is expected to reduce existing telephony costs for schools and improve services at the same time.

ICT Programme Director for the Schools Network Michael Hilliard is delighted with the uptake thus far.

“What it means is that we might be able to have a German teacher who is based, say, at Villa Maria, teaching students in six other schools, working with students, their parents and school principals or other teachers using the Moodle learning management system online and e-portfolios so that everyone can keep track of individual student progress.”

He says the network fits in with the city’s aims to promote Christchurch as the leading digital centre of New Zealand.

“Having schools connected via a high speed network  helps legitimise this claim, it builds increased capability in our school students and with the greater educational opportunities, it makes Christchurch a very attractive destination for families considering migrating to New Zealand.”

Mr Hilliard works with the network’s Technical Advisory Group focused on ICT initiatives, and educator Carol Moffatt is Programme Manager eLearning, working closely with the Curriculum Group which reports to the Principals’ Steering Group.

Connected learning communities will create powerful learning for diverse needs Ms Moffatt says. 

“It has been really positive to be working alongside enthusiastic principals and teachers who can see the significant advantages that the fibre network can bring to our schools,” she says.

CORE Education Director eLearning Derek Wenmoth says the real benefits of the Schools Network are already being seen and new innovative sources of information will develop over time.

“It’s starting to foster co-operation and communication across primary, intermediate and secondary schools and we’re seeing state and integrated schools working together.  It’s brilliant,” Mr Wenmoth says.

Information about the Schools Network will be available at the Enable Networks stand at the upcoming CORE Education ULearn 09 conference, in Christchurch from October 7 – 9.

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