In January 2006, the DfES produced two publications 'Learning Platforms' - one for secondary schools and one for primary schools - providing clear policy and funding guidance for learning platforms:
Learning Platforms: 'Making IT personal' - secondary (PDF)
Learning Platforms Primary Learning Platforms: 'Making IT personal' - primary (PDF)
These publications have been the main driver for the implementation of Learning Platforms in schools and a wide range of materials and resources have been produced to support teachers and schools.
A learning environment will enable teachers to:
- Deliver on-line tutorials access e-mail and hold on-line discussions with learners and colleagues
- Participate in a collaborative approach to the development of lesson plan, schemes of work and learning plans
- Access learning resources and content designed to support learners in groups or individually.
For parents to:
- Access on-line portfolios and information
- Support children accessing on-line resources and homework
- Access school bulletins on-line and join discussion groups
- Feedback information to school and contribute to the school community.
And enable learners to:
- Access learning materials and tutor support before of after school
- Study from home or other locations
- Submit homework and assessment activities in electronic format
- Work in a secure and safe virtual environment
The Becta website supports the latest initiatives and policy from the DCFS with the aim of leading the national drive to inspire and lead the effective and innovative use of technology throughout learning.
The
Teaching and Learning section of the Becta website contains advice, guidance and examples of good practice which will help teachers to integrate ICT tools more effectively into their teaching to create an inclusive, innovative and exciting learning environment. Within this section there are links to Lesson Planning and Teaching issues, which will be of interest.
The
Becta Teachers section looks at how the use of ICT resources within the classroom can transform teaching and improve pupil motivation and achievement. Included are case studies of innovative practice to help incorporate ICT into teaching methods.
Selecting a VLE
The SWGfL has produced
The Learning Environment Catalogue as a central resource enabling schools to compare Learning Environments from the Becta approved list, including the following suppliers:
Core Education:
Talmos
RM:
Kaleidos
Etech Group:
Studywiz
Serco Ltd:
Facility VLE
Fronter:
Fronter VLE
Uniservity:
Uniservity cLc
Viglen Limited:
Viglen Learning Platform
Netmedia Education:
Netmedia Learning Platform
By using the catalogue, your school can benefit by:
- Engaging in correct purchasing procedure
- Following a structured purchasing process ensuring your schools individual requirements are met
- Taking advantage of aggregated pricing structures
- Ensuring that minimum service delivery levels specified by the South West Grid for learning are met by each supplier.
Please also read the
Purchasing a VLE section of this site.
Additional highly recommended resources:
Getting Started with your Learning Platform - advice for schools
What is a Learning Platform?
Becta Teachers
Becta Sencos
Techdis Website: supporting accessibility and inclusion
Learning and Teaching Practitioners
Resource Review Special: Learning Platforms
Every Child matters: Change for Children