Reference model for Networks

Reference model for

Networks

An eLearning network in New Zealand

New Zealand Context

• Small economy – 4 million people

• Remote from world markets

• Geographical remoteness within NZ– Small population size

spread across same geographical size (approx.) as Italy

Objectives of Moodle Networks

• Design and implement a technical solution -MNet

• Design and pilot network model(s)– Identify issues and design solutions– NZ Diploma of Business

• Run pilot focused on shared delivery– Reduce duplication in investment– Build capacity across the system– Share good practice to develop excellence in e-

teaching

Acknowledgements

• Tertiary Education Commission of New Zealand– Strategic contestable funding– Reduce duplication in investment– Build capacity across the system– Share good practice to develop excellence in e-

teaching – Has supported Moodle focused projects since 2004

• Open Polytechnic of New Zealand• Tertiary Accord of New Zealand (six institutions)

Potential Key Benefits

• Complement each institution’s offerings• Strengthens sustainability for regional provision• Broadens access (scope) for learners through

networking lower demand but valuable courses• Economies of scale for course providers• Sharing of expertise and leveraging expert

knowledge across network• Collaboration in development and delivery • Centralised support and administration

eLearning Network configuration possibilities

• Network hub (and spoke) for centrally hosted & administered courses

• Institution-to-Institution pairing• Fully distributed (i.e. multi-hubs)

Intention – a distributed network model

Distributed Network - advantages

• Pluralistic framework with each organisation focusing on distinct competencies

• Autonomous eLearning capability • Allows for additional bilateral or ancillary

arrangements• Optimises provision at a systemic level

TANZ myLearn Network Pilot - Hub and Spoke

TANZ myLearn

Hub hosting 6 NZ Dip

Bus Papers

TeachingNZDB 130

Org & Management.

TeachingNZDB 541Marketing

TeachingNZDB 630Leadership

TeachingNZDB 400

Accounting PrinciplesTeachingNZDB 550

Business Computing

TeachingNZDB 510

Commercial Law

My Learn Network Characteristics

• Learner’s home institution brand follows learner regardless of who delivers what, to which learner (i.e. Theme defined by User profile)

• Authentication is with enrolling institution• Logs on at home Moodle, SSO seamless access

to networked courses• Learner centred • One size does not fit all, multiple configurations

accommodated.

Challenges / Issues

• Lots of bug testing• Knowledge transfer for creating multiple MNet links • Insufficient documentation – are they bugs,

undeveloped features or false expectations for the way we want MNET to work?

• Enrolling students uses Moodle’s manual enrolment process - need further development to scale up

• Managing the patches – versions across multiple Moodles

• New processes needed• Quality control / consistent design on courses• Highlighted professional development requirements

Tutor support across network

Future direction1. Academic harmonisation2. Network management – develop more process3. Automated/bulk enrolments4. Administration systems adapted5. Quality control processes – common standards6. Building support communities by subject area7. Shared professional development8. Shared support9. Shared ancillary services – e.g. library databases10.Move from hub & spoke to explore potential of

distributed network model

Thank-you

Questions?