Do & Don't Tips from Tim Brighouse - Approaches to Learning Platforms
Tim Brighouse, chief adviser for London Schools and a non-executive director of RM provided his top 5 list of "Do & Don't Tips - for When you want to Start"; Education Guardian Learning Platform Supplement, 09/01/07
Do:
- Remember you are embarking on complex change. It is important to have a shared vision of how things will be different in future; timely and continuing training for staff; adequate resources; incentive; and a timelined action plan. (Create a SMART implementation plan/report showing educational outcomes for staff and pupils)
- Visit at least three schools using different learning platforms and ask lots of questions, eg "What wouldn't you do if you were starting again?"
- Involve students and perhaps governors and parents in visits
- Undersell the advantages, and prepare people for teething problems. (Refer to my Change Management articles, be aware of expected highs and strive for long term gain)
- Take the chance to review the facilities management for your school network. (Consider your ICT infrastructure, connectivity alongside teaching, assessment for learning and management practices - Self Review Framework)
Don't:
- Opt for one solution that you ICT manager or a colleague recommends. (You must choose a solution which can best deliver your educational goals - map to your vision)
- Neglect the huge amount of staff training that will be needed, or miss the opportunity on school visits to get staff into the habit of learning from each other and from practitioners eslewhere. (Budget for a training program; communication and collaboration is essential)
- Forget that some of your students cannot access your platform from home. They need priority access to ICT facilities before and after school, and to facilities in public libraries and community centres. (Do consider universal or freely downloadable application software and versions - how will students access material content at home?)
- Underestimate the need for more resources than you first anticipate; have a 10% contingency fund for implementing the suggestions staff will make as enthusiasm grows.
- Fail to do some sort of rish analysis