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

By Kevin Thompson (UltraLab / UltraVersity)

SUMMARY: A brief description of the UltraVersity project and a discussion of new collaborative technologies, focussing mainly on websites with a strong collaborative theme.

PROBLEMS:
Conflict between old and new ways of teaching & learning:

• “Solo” examinations vs. collaborative working
• Taught vs. self-taught
• Passive learning vs. Active learning
• Dissemination vs. Communication

What is required in the modern workplace?

ULTRAVERSITY:

• Degrees delivered entirely online
• Students all in full- or part-time employment
• Students geographically spread and don’t meet in person until graduation
• 140 Graduates this year

FOUR C’s OF SOCIAL TOOLS:

• Communication: email / instant messaging / voice over IP
• Coordination: shared calendaring / contacts
• Collaboration: files / wikis / blogs / writely.com
• Community: social networks / group decisions

COLLABORATIVE / COMMUNITY WEBSITES:

• Encyclopaedia: Wikipedia
• Video: YouTube, Google Video
• Art: Artpad.art.com
• Photographs: Flickr
• Music: Pandora, Blogmusik
• Bookmarks: Furl, Del.icio.us
• Documents: Writely (aka Google Docs&Spreadsheets), Writeboard
• Maps: Frappr

KEY POINTS:

• Learners can contribute to the learning process by communication with both teachers and other learners
• Online communities can work, but require some facilitation
• Wider participation does not mean watered-down teaching

LINKS/FILES/CONTACTS:

http://www.ultraversity.net
http://www.ultralab.net
Kevin Thompson Powerpoint NWETS 06 (Powerpoint from seminar)
ltscotland-sett2006-D1C.mp3 (Audio recording of earlier seminar)
kevin can be emailed at ultralab net

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