School in Focus

"As a school we take a long-term view of how we're going to develop," says Jim Fanning, Assistant Head with responsibility for the school's Technology College status. Following first-hand experience of using a VLE when studying for a MEd in Technology Enhanced Learning, Jim shares his experience with the school. All students at the 700-pupil school have access to the VLE that contains their email account, debating chambers, subject rooms and message boards. Around 80 per cent of pupils have home access and the others are supported by the evening opening of the ICT suite, when possible. (The school is also hoping to trial a cyber café in the near future.)

Last autumn (2005) the school employed four eModerators to monitor and support remote use of the VLE by students. The eModerators were former students who could offer a range of subject expertise to support KS4 pupils with their research and learning via the VLE. Each was initially employed for three hours, one evening a week, and would also be moderating live debates on discussion forums. Students could upload work for e-Moderators to check and also be helped to find other resources on the school network or web.

"We were a bit naïve," says Jim. "We thought that youngsters would come online at a particular time in the evenings but in fact they dip in and out when they feel like it."

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