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 Teaching NZDB 130 Org & Management. Teaching NZDB 541 Marketing Teaching NZDB 630 Leadership Teaching NZDB 400 Accounting Principles Teaching NZDB 550 Business Computing Teaching NZDB 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 direction 1.Academic harmonisation 2.Network management – develop more process 3.Automated/bulk enrolments 4.Administration systems adapted 5.Quality control processes – common standards 6.Building support communities by subject area 7.Shared professional development 8.Shared support 9.Shared ancillary services – e.g. library databases 10.Move from hub & spoke to explore potential of distributed network model

Thank-you Questions?