Learning Platforms! Is my school ready?
No doubt you are aware of the government’s elearning strategy which has identified two major milestones:
1.By Spring 2008, every child should have access to a personalised online learning space with the potential to support an eportfolio.
2.By 2010 every school should have an integrated learning and management systems in place (a comprehensive suite of learning platform technologies.)
What does this mean for you and your school community? A proper Learning Platform should have the following features
- Web based software for curriculum mapping, organisation and delivery (currently provided by Digitalbrain)
- Social web technologies for setting up and maintaining eportfolios and blog sites
- Tools to track children’s progress through interaction with the schools SIMS system
Through the LGFL contract managed by the Local Authority, all Bromley Schools have access to a broadband service from Synetrix as well as a Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) web portal service provided by Digitalbrain. The Digitalbrain VLE has the capacity to provide each child in Bromley with a personalised space, but it isn’t enough to satisfy the government requirements. All schools will need to consider the acquiring a Learning Platform at some stage.
The limitations of the current service has been recognised by the LGFL who have recommended Fronter as their preferred Learning Platform, after an extensive, rigorous review of commercial learning platforms.
Meeting these milestones is going to be a challenge for all our schools. Apart from the cost there is the issue of changing workplace practice which will be a major challenge for all members of the school community. Having the right advice will be crucial in making an informed decision.
What is the Local Authority doing about this?
The Bromley Local Authority has set up an advisory group of Head Teachers and ICT Teachers from ICT Marked Schools whose task over the next twelve months will be to examine these issues and provide advice for Head Teachers. The group met yesterday and have identified the following actions:
1. To contact all Secondary Schools in Bromley to see what learning platforms are currently in place and to examine their efficacy.
2. To examine case studies of Learning Platforms in Primary Schools with a focus on Infant schools.
3. To monitor progress of pilot schools in Bromley using Fronter and Viglen learning Platforms
4. To meet with representatives from Fronter, Viglen and Azzurri
The group will be re-convening on September to discuss the results of these actions. If you are interested in being part of this group please contact Andrew Ferrier
Is our school ready for a Learning Platform?
Becta has provided an audit matrix that will help you decide on the readiness of your school to successfully adopt a Learning Platform. Try it out to see if you are ready.http://industry.becta.org.uk/display.cfm?resID=18011
