the vln in new zealand
DESCRIPTION
The Virtual Learning Network in New ZealandTRANSCRIPT
Christchurch, New Zealand October 2008
IntroductionsIntroductions
What is the VLN?What is the VLN?
www.virtuallearning.school.nz
What is an online Learning What is an online Learning Community?Community?
Why might schools form one?
Connecting Learners through Video Connecting Learners through Video ConferencingConferencing
Student-Teacher face-to-face contact enables the
distance to dissolve
Adobe ConnectAdobe Connect
NZ VC in Education – Key StagesNZ VC in Education – Key Stages
Early 1990s The Correspondence School begins trialling telecommunications technology
1994 – Cantatech – audiographics classes 2000 - KAWM 2001 – OtagoNet 2002 – initiation of Project Probe 2002 – establishment of VLN (within TCS) 2002 - MOE funding for VC bridge 2003 – eLearning schools clusters mushroom nationally 2004 – TCS drops VLN – picked up by MOE 2006 – expansion of VLN 2007 – further budget allocation for Cluster Leadership
funding (VLN)
Common Characteristics of eLearning Common Characteristics of eLearning VC ClustersVC Clusters
Ad Hoc nature of development (grass roots) Funding has come from sources that are not sustainable
◦ Community Trusts◦ ICTPD◦ Collaborative Innovations Funding◦ EHSAS (Extending High Standards Across Schools)
Learning/Teaching model similar Staffing – most follow contributed staffing model Similar goals & issues National support from the VLN
eLCLFeLCLF
eLearning Cluster Leadership FundingeLearning Cluster Leadership Funding
Birth of the ePrincipal!!!???Birth of the ePrincipal!!!???
Mahi TahiMahi Tahi
What is, and who are, the What is, and who are, the ePrincipals?ePrincipals?
• Southern Regional Health School
• OtagoNet
• WELCom
• Cantatech
• Volcanics
• TaraNet
• CoroNet
• AorakiNet
• Cantatech
• Baylink
Cluster WebsitesCluster Websites
Formal and informal discussion
areas
Spaces catering for different interests Tools for managing
participation
Online Learning Environments
Teacher PD Opportunities
Common IssuesCommon Issues
Logistics of a shared timetableTechnical barriers (particularly in the earlier
years)High workload for eTeachersStaffingNeed for onsite student supportOpportunities for face to face Sustainability
Looking to the FutureLooking to the Future• Opportunities provided by implementation of
the New Curriculum• ICT strategic framework• Convergence• What will the VLN look like? – Self sustaining in
terms of governance and finance?• Development of a National Education Network• National plan for specialist music tuition.• How will School + impact the education
landscape?• Adult and Community Education opportunities• Satellite schooling provision [proposal in
development for WestNet - in practice through Westmount]
ConclusionConclusionParadigm Shift – is this achievable for
education? Challenges
◦Infrastructural constraints.◦Financial constraints◦Time constraints◦Competitive model promoted over collaborative
model.◦Teacher training
AcknowledgementsAcknowledgementsThanks to the following people whose input and prior work formed part of this presentation:
◦ Conor Bolton◦ Rachel Roberts◦ Derek Wenmoth◦ Eddie Reisch◦ Chris Allott McPhee
◦ Learning Communities Online: A support handbook for cluster schools.Guidelines for schools developing or joining online learning communities. Provides a summary of the changing face of online learning for schools & overview of an elearning environment “The Barrel”. This is a draft document under consultation through the VLN website.
◦www.virtuallearning.school.nz
ICT Strategic Framework for ICT Strategic Framework for Education - MOEEducation - MOE
Focus Work underway
Connectivity: Improving access
•Providing access to online resources across agencies (Education Sector Authentication and Authorisation (ESAA))
•Scoping what would be needed for a National Education Network to support regional initiatives
Content: Sharing Resources
Making media-rich learning resources available online:•The Hive project •Learning Federation objects•Education Sector Federated SearchDeveloping a digital archive of resources for teaching, learning, research and administration (National Digital Heritage Archive).
Confidence & Capability: Increasing information literacy skills and competencies
•ICT Professional Development Clusters•The Digital Technologies Framework (Year 11-13)•Multi Literacies and key competencies working group
Trends – Convergence Trends – Convergence (Derek Wenmoth)(Derek Wenmoth)