Personalised Online Learning Space = Kent Learning Zone!
Schools may have recently received an email from
Becta on their
Oct 2007 ICT Advice Alert. The states the
Government target that
all schools should have a 'personalised online learning space' by
August 2008. The alert also suggests that schools contact their Local
Authority for advice as to how we are meeting this requirement.
Just so that there is no doubt, Kent Learning Zone
is the Kent Local Authority solution, providing a host of features,
including web based Outlook (including email) and online personalised
learning spaces! It is designed by EIS in Kent for Kent schools. The
unique feature is that the architecture we have designed is based on
the latest Microsoft Office SharePoint Server 2007 Learning Gateway
architecture, draws user data directly from SIMS and allows schools to
choose the 'Virtual Learning Environment' (VLE) of their choice to plug
in when they are ready to meet the 2010 target for a full learning
platform! Kent Learning Zone supports Kent's strategy to provide a
connected broadband infrastructure that allows schools to plug-in
products and features that they choose.
Best of all, Kent Learning Zone is phenomenal value for money ... as the ICT Advice Alert states, it is subsidised through Standards Fund Grant and not for profit!
Currently we are working closely with a number of Becta approved suppliers to ensure their products are a good fit with the Kent Learning Zone, and hope to have news in the very near future on the early adopter VLE products those who can't wait to get started.
Donna Rogers, e-Learning Officer is out and about with EIS spreading
the good news and providing briefings. EIS are managing the
implementation, and should be contacted by schools wishing to take up
the offer.