1. Reference model for Networks An eLearning network in New Zealand

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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)

5. 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

6. eLearning Network configuration possibilities • Network hub (and spoke) for centrally hosted & administered courses • Institution-to-Institution pairing • Fully distributed (i.e. multi-hubs)

7. Intention – a distributed network model

8. 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

9. TANZ myLearn Network Pilot - Hub and Spoke Teaching NZDB 541 Marketing Teaching NZDB 130 Org & Management. Teaching NZDB 630 Leadership TANZ myLearn Hub hosting 6 NZ Dip Bus Papers Teaching NZDB 400 Accounting Principles Teaching NZDB 510 Commercial Law Teaching NZDB 550 Business Computing

10. 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.

11. 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

12. Tutor support across network

17. Future direction • Academic harmonisation • Network management – develop more process • Automated/bulk enrolments • Administration systems adapted • Quality control processes – common standards • Building support communities by subject area • Shared professional development • Shared support • Shared ancillary services – e.g. library databases • Move from hub & spoke to explore potential of distributed network model

21. Thank-you Questions?