A new study has found that Principals across New Zealand have increased confidence implementing their school’s digital learning strategy since connecting to N4L’s Managed Network.

More than 350 schools responded to a New Zealand Council of Education Research (NZCER) survey that asked Principals their thoughts on using the new Government-funded Managed Network, which also provides schools with web safety and security services, and proactive support.

The results show that 94 per cent of respondents feel more confident in implementing their digital strategy as a result of being connected to the N4L Managed Network and 71 per cent increased their use of digital technology within the first six months of connecting. All survey participants, which include a mix of urban and rural schools, have been using the Managed Network for six months or longer.

Almost all respondents (97 per cent) are satisfied with N4L and 91 per cent say the Crown company understands the education sector well or very well.

N4L CEO John Hanna credits the survey’s positive responses to the company’s school-centric approach, which involves being heavily engaged with the education sector:

“Being present and actively listening to the challenges facing schools, and then feeding this information back into our program has been key to ensuring schools get a service that best fits their needs and that they are happy with”.

He also says the company’s proactive approach to support services, with a particular emphasis on developing training materials to assist schools on how to get the most from the N4L’s technology and services, is another important measure contributing to the high satisfaction levels among schools.

Harrisville School Principal Kris Burden participated in the survey and said: “For us, the Managed Network means the internet and connected devices are at long-last a real part of our school life and we no longer need to worry about the network going down every time the class next door goes online.

“This has led to more of our teachers and students using e-learning in their class programmes. Our staff are building their confidence in using these programmes and exploring new learning opportunities for their students.”

When the Managed Network rollout is completed next year, it is expected more than 800,000 people will be using it. To date, more than 690,000 teachers and students from 2220 schools are connected to the Managed Network, with 90% of all schools expected to be connected by the end of the year.

The full results of the ‘N4L Customer Lifecycle Survey Report 2015’ are published in Pond and can be found at pond.co.nz/detail/701187/n4l-customer-lifecycle-survey-report-2015

Source: N4L