Posted by Andrew Ferrier on Jul 25th, 2007
1.1 Capita have advised us that there will be a new operating engine for the SIMS.net databases. This means that the current existing engine in operation will need to be upgraded.
1.2 It is important that this upgrade takes place as Microsoft support for the current operating engine will cease.
1.3. Schools will be expected to carry out the upgrade procedures.
1.4 The upgrade needs to be completed after you have completed the August Main Release but before the November Main Release 2007.
What happens next?
Your technical service provider (Capita, EIS) will provide you with a set of clear instructions to enable you to carry out the upgrade successfully. If you haven’t received your set of instructions please contact your service provider immediately.
Posted by Andrew Ferrier on Jul 19th, 2007
The ICT Mark is a quality assurance award for schools who have successfully demonstrated their ability to put ICT in the heart of learning and teaching. You may be considering an application for the award for your school.
In order to qualify for the mark, schools must assess themselves by registering and completing the online Self Review Framework. The SRF covers the following elements
- Leadership and Management
- Curriculum
- Learning and Teaching
- Assessment
- Professional Development
- Extending Opportunities for Learning
- Resources
- Impact on Pupil Outcomes
Each of these elements has an ICT Mark threshold. If your school meets those thresholds and you can indicate the appropriate evidence in support of your findings then you are eligible to apply.
Some advice though
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Posted by Andrew Ferrier on Jul 2nd, 2007
BBC online has a report highlighting the dangers of exposure from the light of projectors that are over 15000 lumens. The report points out that teachers and pupils can suffer eye damage through prolonged exposure and that schools need to make staff and children aware of the safety issues involved.
Read the report below
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/education/6253410.stm
Becta have recognised health and safety issues regarding the use of projectors and suggest that schools have the following guidelines in place as part of the schools ICT policy.
- No one should stare directly into the beam of the projector
- When entering the beam, users should not look towards the audience for more than a few seconds
- Users should keep their backs to the projector beam when standing in it
- Children should be supervised at all times when a projector is being used
- Use the brightness reduction facility on the projection when a presenter is standing in front of the projector
- Projectors should be installed as far forward as possible to avoid the projector beam entering the user’s field of vision
- It is recommended that guidelines are displayed, as a reminder, in areas where projectors are used.
Further information can be obtained by visiting Becta Web Site or by clicking on this link.
What type of precautions have you taken in your school to make teachers and pupls aware of theses safety issues? Share them in the comments area.
