Case Studies

Fronter can 'talk' to SIMS - but as a school we have not yet begun to explore the ways in which this can be implemented. Using our Learning Platform as an assessment tool has been experimented with in very limited ways. In ICT, DT and Science we have used the Learning Platform test tools to set up assessment opportunities for students. The tools allow a range of tests to be designed including multiple choice and essay style answers. The platform will compile results and answers into a spreadsheet for assessment by staff. We have not even 'scratched the surface' in terms of exploring this aspect of a Learning Platform.

This is an example of a mutiple-choice questionnaire that has been used on our Learning Platform.

We have a full-time technician whose responsibility it is to administer the Platform. Whilst this provides a solution for the day to day running of the system, the post does not meet the needs of staff who require advice in the design of learning opportunities and assessment tasks. In 2005-06 we appointed a part-time Learning Platform design assistant. The work he did was invaluable. His background was in teaching and he readily understood many of the issues confronting teaching staff in designing online learning opportunities that are suitable for classroom use.

Whilst the purchase of a Learning Platform may represent a small fraction of a school's overall budget, it can be a challenge identifying and putting in place the support services that are required to make best use of the technology.

'most classroom tasks associated with ICT have been isolated.' (Wegerif & Dawes)