Learning Environments
The Knowledge NET

 

 

Learning Environments are constructs, having limited membership, which facilitate thinking and learning processes. They manage information but at the same time are extensible and allow for lateral knowledge journeys as well as innovation. They are designed to be efficient and reduce the constant reinvention of the wheel. One type of construct that is being seen increasingly in schools is the intranet/extranet environment.

 

Welcome to the Knowledge NET


Following the implementation of an extranet for the Otago Net group of schools, Knowledge Networks Ltd received a considerable number of requests for similar environments for other secondary, primary and middle schools. Following 18 months of research and development Knowledge Networks Ltd has developed a single integrated environment that would be cost effective, extensible and a powerful teaching and learning solution for all schools.

This is known as the Knowledge NET.

Knowledge Networks Ltd, in conjunction with teachers@work and DataView Design have developed a secure integrated internet, intranet and extranet environment known as a Knowledge NET, specifically designed for schools. All users within this environment are able to add and adjust content they have permission to edit (without any knowledge of HTML or FTP), as well as see only the content that is intended for them. This integrated Knowledge NET environment is accessible from any internet enabled computer anywhere via a secure log-on. All teacher and student files are also available from any internet enabled computer located anywhere. This is a truly powerful solution that opens up a whole new world to our students and teachers in a managed and controlled manner, using communication, information and research tools that have been designed specifically for the New Zealand education environment.

What are Internet Intranet & Extranets sites?

An internet school web site allows for the community to access a window into the local school, providing school news, administration information and student "best work" and experiences to be made available from an Internet web site.

An intranet environment is a comprehensive database-driven web site containing a range of tools that are used by a select group of participants, usually located in one school/institution. The web site can contain teacher based information, administrative information, discussion groups, e-mail facilities, common calendars to co-ordinate activities, assessment information for students on a subject based/thematic basis, discussion groups, databases of student names, classes, subjects taken, timetables . . The list is almost endless of what can constitute and be included within an intranet environment.

An extranet environment is the same as the above but the information is shared by a group of schools. The schools can be related geographically or could be distributed throughout the world, but they share a common communication interface and location where that information resides. Schools within an extranet share resources varying from units of work through to videoconferenced lessons.

So what is the Knowledge NET?

The Knowledge NET integrates all three of these environments under one secure structure. This means that schools can:

  • Work collaboratively with each other sharing information and ideas.
  • Have students work collaboratively on projects and assignments.
  • Information added to the intranet can be also added to the extranet or internet web site at the click of a button.
  • Reduce the reinvention of the wheel by teachers through the sharing of resources, assessment schemes, management documentation . . . . .
  • Log into audio and videoconferecing opportunities providing schools with a greater range of subject choice and one-off "event experiences".
  • Secure discussion groups that can set up and closed down as required.
  • Store all files online for ease of access but knowing that the security associated with your information is "absolute"

 

It also provides . . . . .

  • The school internet, intranet and extranet sites under one structure allowing teachers, students and administrators to add content to all three, or any selection of these, in one action.
  • A virtual filing structure where staff, students and administrators can access and store all their files, enabling them to be accessed from any internet enabled computer anywhere (globally).
  • A sophisticated and powerful search engine designed specifically for schools.
  • A content management structure that allows all pages (that they have permission to), to be edited, with no HTML or technical skills whatsoever (familiarity with the basic functions of a word processor are the only skills required).
  • User log-ons which automatically customise the content and tools the user has access to.
  • Remote hosting and management, releasing schools to get on with what they are good at and are trained for; empowering our children for the 21st Century they will live in.
  • A wide range of communication and resourcing tools which allow the creation of flexible, shared and personal environments where teachers, students and administrators can work collaboratively or on individual assignments.
    Access to proprietary content dealing with all aspects of education including EOTC, Examinations, MoE, School Schemes and Policies, Planning & Assessment . . . . .

    Knowledge Networks Ltd has developed Knowledge NET's for primary, middle school and secondary schools, with each having its own particular set of tools and layout features. Information can be added by teachers and administrators through a "wysiwyg" (What You See Is What You Get) administration module that accompanies the site. Teachers and administrators need no knowledge of HTML or how to use a web editor in order to add material to the Knowledge NET environment.