New ICT advisory service for schools

Associate Education Minister Nikki Kaye today announced the establishment of an ICT Advisory Service to help schools make the most of their new connections to the Managed Network.

In the interim, a targeted service will be delivered by Network For Learning (N4L). This will enable a tender process for the provision of a more comprehensive Learning Technologies Advisory Service to be completed.

The Government is investing $211 million in the N4L programme, which will provide fast and reliable internet connections with security services to help schools create a safe online environment for their students.

“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,” Ms Kaye says.

The Learning Technologies Advisory Service, to be launched in February 2015, will provide schools with strategic advice on how technologies can help them achieve their educational goals.

“The rollout of fast internet to schools reached a milestone ahead of schedule last month, with more than 500 schools now connected to the Managed Network,” Ms Kaye says.

“More than 900 schools are expected to be connected by the end of this year, and N4L is on track to connect all participating schools 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.

“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.”

The Ministry of Education-funded ICT Advisory Service will be available from July 7.

Editor’s notes:

How can the ICT Advisory Service be contacted?
Phone: 0800 LEARNING
Email: advisory@n4l.co.nz

How can schools not currently on the N4L Managed Network get ICT help?
There are ICT administration staff in primary and secondary schools and the Ministry of Education has an ICT Helpdesk for all schools. This provides telephone and email support services free of charge to assist with questions around equipment installation, use, faults, warranty claims and general ICT policy as well as news and updates about Ministry-funded ICT programmes.

Phone: toll-free on 0800 CALLICT (0800 225542) or 09 356 3167.

Email: callict@tki.org.nz

Schools with further queries about learning with digital technologies can visit the Ministry’s Enabling e-Learning website (www.elearning.tki.org.nz) or email Learning.Digitaltechnologies@minedu.govt.nz