SCHOOL ICT NEWS BULLETIN No 152 - 05/10/2009

Published by Children’s Services

Primary School ICT Road Shows

The 2010 primary school ICT road show dates have been secured as:

• 27 January 2010 at West Norfolk PDC
• 28 January 2010 at Norwich PDC

Either date will commence at 16:15 and will finish at approximately 17:30 – attendance is free.

To book a place on either event please see http://www.cpd.norfolk.gov.uk/sdms/ or email lisa.poploski@norfolk.gov.uk.

Author: Judy Houghton

Funding available to produce innovative resources through the Norfolk Learning Content Networks

Schools can apply for funding of up to £20, 000 (for a maximum of 3 terms) to work in a collaborative network with other schools to produce innovative learning resources to support the implementation of new curriculum initiatives. The key aim of this initiative is to raise achievement using the Learning Platforms and other Information and Communication Technologies (ICT). This funding comes from the commissioned element of the Norfolk Harnessing Technology Grant.

Successful networks could also use their funding to sponsor participating teachers to get involved in the Teacher Learning Academy (Stages 1 – 3, please visit www.teacherlearningacademy.org.uk for further detail.)

Some projects, submitted in a previous round, have already been approved. These include:

1. Raising Achievement through Functional Skills
2. Home/School Links through the Virtual Learning Environment (VLE)
3. Multicultural VLE
4. Interactive Resources for Modern Foreign Languages
5. Product Design and Manufacturing Diploma Resources
6. Pathways Online
7. KS2 Science Scheme of Work and Resources
8. KS2/3 Literacy and Numeracy

This initiative is designed to deliver innovation in teaching and learning, raise achievement and provide motivational learning resources for Norfolk schools of all types and phases. It will also help develop a sustainable approach to the use of online learning resources and tools based on a sound pedagogical approach. Children in all Norfolk schools are entitled to high quality learning activities as part of the new primary curriculum, the new 14–19 learning arrangements, and extended schools provision. There is a good deal of evidence that ICT can be a motivational and potentially transformational tool within the learning process. This initiative provides the basis for innovation and development of new forms of learning that help to overcome barriers to learning.

For more details about the Norfolk Learning Content Network and to download an application form, please visit our website or contact Johannes Ahrenfelt.

Deadlines:

• Autumn submission: 7^th October 2009 (Phase 2)
• Spring submission: 12^th January 2010 (Phase 3)
• Summer submission: 1^st June 2010 (Phase 4)

Briefing sessions to find out more about the initiative:

• Professional Development Centre – Norwich: 24^th November 4.30 – 5.30pm
• Professional Development Centre – Kings Lynn: 13th November 10 – 12noon

Author: Johannes Ahrenfelt

PROJECTOR MAINTENANCE

Following the success of the first year’s projector maintenance service, Norfolk County Council ICT Solutions are pleased to advise that we are again making this service available to schools.

In addition, this year we are able to offer the service to all Norfolk Schools with an ICT Solutions contract. Schools with a Silver Plus contract will be able to take advantage of the first two projectors being maintained through the Silver Plus contract free of charge (excluding halls).

We are aware of the demand from schools to cover the maintenance of Multimedia Projectors however, due to the height of many projectors we haven’t been able to service them for you in the past. This has meant that many schools projectors have not been cleaned for a considerable time.

ICT Solutions have been able to address this by working with Matrix Display Systems. Matrix has been the supplier serving Norfolk schools for the last 5 years utilising the BECTA and ESPO Framework Agreements.

Matrix engineers are very experienced at carrying out installation and engineering work on school premises. They are BECTA approved, CRB and CPR checked and will carry an ID badge at all times whilst on site.

The visits will be spread evenly over the school year and scheduled with your school prior to the maintenance being carried out. Due to the nature of the equipment unrestricted access will be required to the projector. Each projector will take between 15–30 minutes to service depending on the level of maintenance required.

If you would like to take advantage of this service please you can find a PDF document at the below location which you can download, complete and return to ICT Solutions.

Projector Maintenance Initiative

Please note that the closing date for returns has been extended from 30^th September 2009 to the 30^th October 2009.

Author: Rob Price

Training Opportunities

e¹ New Secretary training – FREE training for new secretaries and administration assistants

25^th November 2009 at the Norwich PDC

e¹ new secretary training – session 2 & 3 – places still available for both sessions

26^th November 2009 at the West Norfolk PDC

e¹ new secretary training – session 4 & 5 – Places still available for both sessions.

ICT Skills

Getting the most out of MS Office – places still available.

West Norfolk PDC 18^th November 2009, 09:30 – 12:30

£90 (contract) £138 (non contract)

Internet Skills – places still available.

Norwich PDC 17^th November 2009, 09:30 – 12:30

£90 (contract) £138 (non contract)

To book a place please go to www.eficts.norfolk.gov.uk select training services from the left hand side bar and choose book a training course alternatively telephone 0845 303 3003 and speak to training services.

Author: Rachel Hudson