By Robin Ball (BECTA)

SUMMARY: A strategic overview of how BECTA believes virtual learning environments should be introduced into schools. Particular focus on cultural changes within schools.

E-STRATEGY:

23,000 schools in England – one size won’t fit all
Initial provision – Online access to learning by 2007-8

LEARNING PLATFORM:

Outline:

• Primarily web-based
• Provision for file access
• Levels of sophistication: Basic repository, VLE or MLE
• Potential for integration into MIS although technology still not really available

Benefits:

• Customised learning
• Home learning (improving inclusion)
• 24/7 Access
• Parental involvement & pupil tracking
• Sharing aims & progress with pupils

How to make it happen:

• Skills – Assess requirements
• Involvement – Consult with staff, SLT, parents
• SLICT – Strategic Leadership in ICT, 2-day course for headteachers

Planning:

• Change management – 5 key elements: vision, skills, incentives, resources, action plan
• Accessibility
• Sustainability
• Data exchange
• Support, maintenance & training
• 5 point plan: product, installation, maintenance, support, training

BECTA Progress:

• Functional specification defined for Learning Platforms
• Procurement process in progress – expected completion Jan 2007

LINKS/FILES/CONTACTS:

http://www.ncsl.org.uk/slict (SLICT course)
http://www.becta.org.uk/publications (BECTA publications)
http://www.swgfl.org.uk/streaming/lp_robin_ball.asp (video of earlier presentation)
How to Get it All Wrong.htm (what to avoid in VLE implementations)
6 Learning Services 2006 NDI.ppt (Powerpoint from seminar)
robin.ball@becta.org.uk

Seminar 1 – Harnessing Technology – A Strategy for Personalised Learning

By Norman Crawford (BECTA)

SUMMARY: A brief discussion of how personalised learning can be achieved through the correct use of technology, particularly by the use of virtual learning environments.

PROBLEMS:
• Only 1 in 6 schools using ICT effectively as of 2004 (source?)
• Often caused by the use of unsuitable technology
• Lack of 24/7 access hinders use

STRATEGY:
• Broadband infrastructure projects – largely completed
• Provision of content – don’t overlook
• “E-maturity” – skills and practices which make the most of the technology available – referenced Becta Matrix (self assessment for schools) & ICT Mark (Accreditation scheme)

DESIRABLE OUTCOMES:

• Closing achievement gaps
• More pupils following on to post 16
• Reducing levels of failure in adult life

(comparison drawn with Every Child Matters agenda)

“E-CONFIDENCE”:

• School is: managed effectively, innovative
• Learner is: self-directed, capable of choosing the correct tool for the job

“WEB 2.0”:

Some brief discussion of new trends in collaborative online communities which are popular with young people (myspace, piczo etc.)

LEARNING PLATFORMS:

Discussion of the terminology:

VLE – Virtual Learning Environment
MIS – Management Information System (e.g. SIMS)
MLE – Managed Learning Environment (i.e. VLE & MLE combined)

Discussion of the benefits:

• Collaboration between teachers
• 24/7 access

Discussion of potential issues:

• Transfer of data between schools (e.g. if pupil moves) may be problematic. Therefore systems should use open data standards. Borough/LA-wide systems may reduce the impact of this issue.

Additional benefits of LA-wide systems:

• Same login details across borough (parents/teachers etc.)
• Improved/easier collaboration between teachers at different schools
• Improved training provision

IMPLEMENTATION:

• Experience shows whole-school deployments best
• Planned strategically
• Teacher-lead

DEADLINES:

2008 – Personal learning space
2010 – Learning platform

LINKS/FILES/CONTACTS:

NW Ed Show Keynote Nov 2006.ppt
norman crawford can be emailed at becta org uk

As I’ve read in a few places around the web, it’s important to get to grips with which sorts of activites work well on an IWB and focus on those. The not-at-all-advertised Teacher Resource Exchange allows you to search for interactive whiteboard resources, but unfortunately it seems that a lot of the uploaders tag their resources as useful for IWBs when clearly they aren’t. I’m not sure how long that site will be available, as it’s part of the Virtual Teacher Centre (in turn part of the NGfL), which is due to close on 19 December 2005. As BECTA are involved, I’m not anticipating good things.

On a related note, there’s a new Australian Blog about the use of IWB’s in education: ActivBoarding. They’re using six (I think?) Promethean ActivBoards with ActivStudio. It looks like a good place to watch for a fresh perspective (most of the stuff I’ve seen is very UK-oriented) and interesting resources. It’s a shame there’s not an open/common format between the whiteboard programs (particularly between Smart, ActivStudio1 and Activstudio2) as being able to share flipcharts etc seems to be one of the key benefits of the IWB experience. We’re firmly in the Promethean camp at school, so I’ll be passing these links on to those that can’t when I return to work on Monday.

Still not sated?: There are more resources for Promethean ActivStudio users in the Promethean resource directory and at the Lighthouse for Education.

[via IWB-EFL, Teaching Generation Z]