New Zealand Students Learn Netiquette

Opportunity For Schools To Win Free Software

Auckland, November 27 2001 – A local software company is working closely with New Zealand schools to develop best practice Internet policies.

CommSoft Group Limited produces Internet monitoring software called NetMaster that helps staff distinguish between legitimate data and information that students should not be downloading such as pornography and MP3 files.

CommSoft is partnering with EdCom, a division of Multi Serve Education Trust, to educate schools about developing policies for responsible Internet use. For a limited time, secondary schools that purchase NetMaster can nominate a contributing primary or intermediate school to receive the software free.

“NetMaster is an invaluable resource for schools,” says EdCom’s Auckland Manager, Peter Cooke. “With every school in the country having Internet access, it is vital that teachers and students are using the technology in a safe and responsible manner.”

NetMaster allows students full access to the Internet while inconspicuously monitoring their behaviour. NetMaster tracks the nature and volume of Internet material that students download.

Martin Searancke, Marketing Manager for NetMaster, says they are committed to making sure the Internet is used safely and responsibly in schools.

“Sites are not blocked but staff can see which sites students are visiting and how long they spend there which makes it an ideal resource for the school environment. This encourages schools to develop policies around responsible use of the Internet.

“The students and staff need to know what they can and can’t do, what is acceptable to download and also how to be considerate of others,” says Searancke.

NetMaster provides real time reports revealing who is accessing what sites and for how long. This means staff and students can focus on what is most important – using the technology of the Internet to enhance their academic studies.

EdCom are running seminars throughout November and December this year to cover the details of the Ministry of Education’s Microsoft Licensing Agreement for schools. Schools that attend the nationwide seminars go in the draw to win one of eight copies of NetMaster. Details of the seminars are posted on the EdCom website (www.edcom.co.nz)

Ends

About CommSoft Group Limited
CommSoft Group Limited is an international leader in the development of niche software products for the telecommunications industry. CommSoft develops and markets leading edge telecommunications and Customer Relationship Management software to help all kinds of enterprises make better use of their telecommunications equipment through better cost management, increased staff productivity and improved customer service.

Its products are bundled with products and services by some of the world's largest telecommunications suppliers. More information is available at www.commsoftgroup.com

About EdCom

The EdCom Network has an established reputation for providing independent quality advice on all aspects of ICT implementation in New Zealand schools. EdCom works with both schools and industry to provide bulk discounts on ICT products, and also provides supporting expertise in the integration of ICT into teaching and learning programmes. EdCom is a division of Multi Serve, which is a charitable trust registered in New Zealand, and is a leading provider of national and international service solutions for educational authorities, schools and investors. More information is available at www.multiserve.co.nz, or www.edcom.co.nz

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