From KAREN wiki

Background

In early 2008, REANNZ were contracted by the Ministry of Education and the Tertiary Education Commission and the National Library to trial a project referred to as the National Education Network (NEN). The purpose of this Phase 1 of the NEN trail was to understand and quantify the cost and technical issues and options for individual ITP’s, Wananga, Schools, Libraries and early Childhood entities, to connect at high speed, to the Kiwi Advanced Research and Education Network (KAREN).

Phase 1 included:

• ITP and Wānanga connection assessment for connection to KAREN
• Schools and Libraries connection assessment for connection to KAREN
• A technical design of the Network that will provide compatible high speed connectivity to KAREN

Value proposition for schools using KAREN

KAREN provides part of the essential infrastructure for learning. It provides equality of opportunity for all loops, Mush networks, schools, and individual students to connect.

KAREN provides the backhaul and gives all the participants opportunities to participate, ensuring that no-one is left behind. KAREN therefore ensures the current digital divide does not exist in schools, providing that the internal networks are up to the required standard.

• KAREN provides connectivity to commercial services, educational services, communication services and administration services
• Research (Earnest Report 2008) shows that this type of connectivity has a positive impact on pupils' attainment and achievement levels. (p79)
• KAREN provides access to large repositories of knowledge.
• KAREN provides savings:
  • for families because connected schools will have access to a wider curriculum;
  • for schools and teachers by facilitating quality professional development, thereby reducing travel and teacher replacement costs
  • for schools using common services on a national scale
  • KAREN can provide access to a wide range of tertiary institutions therefore ensuring gifted and talented students have choice.
  • KAREN can provide the necessary connectivity to ensure that Maori in remote parts of the country have equal opportunity. (Ka Hikitia - Managing for Success: The Mãori Education Strategy 2008-2012 is a broad reaching five-year strategy aiming to transform and change the education sector, ensuring Mãori are able to enjoy education success as Mãori. )
• KAREN can provide the necessary connectivity to the proposed 'Schools Plus' which is a programme to ensure 16 to 18 year old students are involved in education and training.
• KAREN can provide the necessary connectivity to ensure all students have access to the appropriate curriculum regardless of where they live.

NEN Phase 1 documents

Presentation to Ministry of Education July 2008 - provides background to the NEN proof-of-concept project

NEN diagrammatic overview - technical network architecture

KAREN Network Access Policy - Members of the community are asked to read the linked policy statement and then comment on its impact and clarity as it relates to the National Education Network Proof of Concept project.

KAREN Technical Standards apply to the NEN PoC NEN PoC Commercial considerations and issues