Today N4L (Network for Learning) announced its has connected the 1,000th school to its Managed Network, which means more than 40 per cent of New Zealand schools are now signed up with it.

In total, nearly 319,000 students, teachers and school administrators are now using N4L’s services, which include fast and reliable internet connectivity, uncapped data, web filtering and network security. The company aims to have all schools will be able to connect by the end of 2016.

Stanley Avenue Primary, a semi-rural school in Te Aroha, 40km east of Hamilton, is the 1000^th school to connect. The 285-pupil school has been using a range of digital technologies over the last six years and is excited about the potential the new N4L Managed Network connection will bring.

“Our new connection will allow us to grow the range of learning pathways we currently offer students,” said Stanley Avenue School Principal Stuart Armistead. “For example, we will be able to extend the use of mobile devices, grow our school radio and television stations and use technology to enhance communication between home and school.”

N4L reached today’s milestone more than two months early. In August the company surpassed its 700th connection five months ahead of schedule, and then revised its end-year target to 1000. N4L CEO John Hanna is pleased with the company’s progress to date.

“We understand a teacher’s need for technology to work smoothly and reliably all the time,” said Mr Hanna. “Once a school is connected, their internet use generally increases exponentially. Students are using the internet to collaborate more online and to invent their own amazing creations. It is exciting to see new ways of teaching and learning introduced into the classroom. All of this activity will better prepare them for the future, and it is very rewarding to see this happening throughout the country.”

Massey Primary in West Auckland was the first school to connect to N4L’s Managed Network at the end of November 2013. Principal Bruce Barnes says it has made a notable difference to both his teachers and students and is instrumental to helping achieve the school’s vision: “Our vision is to graduate students who are better equipped to be global citizens, ready for a world where technology will be more prevalent in their future.”

He says N4L’s Managed Network, alongside the Ministry of Education’s SNUP programme, has enabled Massey to fast-track its digital learning plans.

“Students who were previously labeled as ‘reluctant learners’ have embraced the new devices, as a way to connect with their learning. This translates to increased engagement with their learning and achievement, which is leading to improved student results.”

N4L works closely with school leaders and local IT support companies to ensure a smooth transition to the Managed Network and to help schools get the most from the network once connected.

An interactive map of all participating N4L schools can be viewed at: http://www.n4l.co.nz/rollout/

Source: Network for Learning, (N4L), www.n4l.co.nz