OFSTED 2009
In January 2009 OFSTED published it's evaluation of the development of learning platforms.
CLICK HERE to go to the OFSTED report page.
Response
A summary of the report was created in school and circulated to all middle leaders.
CLICK HERE to view the summary (Word).
Action was implemented in the following areas:
- Quality Assurance
The OFSTED Report highlighted QA as an issue. On a fortnightly basis the senior teacher responsible for platform development meets with the network assistant to review those newly created lesson areas and materials that have been uploaded. Some consideration was given to setting up a system where material would be reviewed before it was placed on the platform (but the logistics of this make it time consuming).
- Staff Training
An opportunity was identified to include platform training in whole school INSET, along with technician support for individual subject areas. Those areas that would pilot use of the platform in the next six months were also identified.
Comment
The Report described VLEs as a 'cottage industry' in schools, led by individual enthusiastic staff. Not surprising when you consider that many schools will only have been using their platform for much less than a year. Tideway, for example, only accessed it's new platform in June 2008.
Once a new technology rolls over you, if you're not part of the steamroller, you're part of the road. Stewart Brand
