SCHOOL ICT NEWS BULLETIN No 124 - 25/04/2008

Published by Children’s Services

Norfolk Secondary Learning Platform Procurement

Norfolk Children's Services are delighted to announce that Fronter UK have been chosen as the preferred bidder for the Norfolk Secondary Learning Platform.

This announcement follows extensive consultation with schools and a rigorous European wide procurement process managed by ESPO, the Eastern Shires Purchasing Organisation. Government targets require the Local Authority to ensure that every pupil has a secure online learning space to support their learning. Norfolk's secondary schools have been working in partnership with Children's Services to devise the statements of requirements and participate in the procurement process. A very detailed evaluation of tender documentation was followed by presentations of the companies to a teachers' panel (e-learning steering group), a head teacher panel (NASH representatives) and a technical panel (school network managers & ICT Solutions). Further evaluation activities included pupils aged between 12 and 15 from three high schools as well as site visits.

Fronter UK already provides a learning platform for all schools in the London Grid for Learning (LGfL), known as the London Managed Learning Environment (MLE). The platform can integrate with all the Management Information Systems (MIS) used in Norfolk and it is likely that pilot schools will include a range of MIS.

Schools will receive extensive support as part of a carefully planned implementation and training programme. Further details on this and on opportunities to see the product through road shows and product trials will be announced after the contract has been finalised. The procurement process has adhered closely to timescales published in the autumn and is expected to be complete by early May 2008.

As a major school improvement programme, the introduction of Learning Platforms offers an exciting way to use online digital technologies for learning, teaching and school organisations. The Fronter Learning Platform includes over 100 tools to design lessons, communicate via email, chat, SMS, forums, blogs, video conferencing, run e-assessment activities, share resources and provide students with e-portfolios.

Author: Michael Pickett

E2BN Annual Conference

You can book now for the E2BN Annual Conference held on the 24th - 25th June 2008, at The Robinson Centre, Wyboston, Beds, MK44 3AR.

This two day conference is for heads, teachers and others concerned with the potential impact of ICT in education. The conference offers a chance to listen to world class speakers, engage in hands on workshops and see how innovation and best practice is offering new challenges to children across the region.

Visit http://conference.e2bn.org/ to confirm your booking.

Author: Michael Pickett