Govt ramps up ICT support for NZ schools

Schools will be able to make the most of their new connections to the Managed Network with the establishment of an ICT Advisory Service.

Announced this week by Nikki Kaye, Associate Education Minister, the targeted service will be delivered by Network for Learning (N4L).

“The ICT Advisory Service will provide technical support to schools that have connected to the Managed Network to help them realise the full benefits of the network,” Nikki Kaye says.

The Ministry-funded interim service will run from 7 July 2014, prior to the introduction of the Learning Technologies Advisory Service in February 2015. This allows a tender process for the provision of the more comprehensive service to be completed.

The purpose of the Learning Technologies Advisory Service is to provide schools with strategic advice on how technologies can assist them to achieve their educational goals.

The N4L programme, in which the Government is investing $211 million, is providing fast and reliable internet connections to schools, together with security services to assist schools in creating a safe online environment for students.

Last month, the rollout of fast internet to schools reached the milestone of over 500 schools connected to the Managed Network, says Kaye.  This was ahead of schedule, and by the end of 2014, 900 schools are expected to be connected, with all participating schools connected by the end of 2016.

“The Government is committed to supporting schools to use technology effectively and ensuring young New Zealanders are well equipped to succeed in today’s global economy and society,” Kaye says.

“This initiative will ensure that every student will be able to benefit from technology to achieve their best, no matter where they are in New Zealand.”