SWGfL Merlin Update
Since the announcement in February 08 of the partnership with RM and Netmedia to deliver SWGfL Merlin (download the press release for more details), the SWGfL team have been hard at work with Local Authorities on the development of SWGfL Merlin.
February saw the construction of the infrastructure to deliver this unique service, and in March focus groups worked to develop the interfaces for the service in preparation for the pilots.
We're now in the pilot phase, working with LAs and schools across the region to explore the functionality of the service, and ensure effective processes are in place for MIS integration at a school level.
SWGfL are also working closely with local authorities to prepare for roll out of this exciting new service across the region, on track to go live from August 08. There'll be a host of materials to guide schools as they prepare to implement SWGfL Merlin. There'll be a focus on support for change management so that school staff feel prepared, as well as plenty of top tips for starting points, depending on your school's needs.
Timeline
The latest timelines for SWGfL Merlin are as illustrated below:
Key features of SWGfL Merlin
- A simple sign-on service that will enable you to use a single user name and password to access a wide range of web tools. The Service will be an integral part of the UK Access Federations and therefore be compatible with the standards of the National Educational Network
- 'My Place' – A personal Online Learning Space for each user that, once allocated, will stay with them when they move schools within the SWGfL region
A Virtual online desktop for each user that will allow configuration of the look and feel, provide access to SWGfL Merlin tools, and enable access to elements of Management Information Systems and Learning Environments - 'Our Places' - Regional online collaborative tools including blogs, wikis and forums that will facilitate inter-school, school–Local Authority, and region-wide collaboration, supporting the sharing of resources
- Interoperability services, namely, the glue that joins the systems together, which will be based upon SIF, the Schools Interoperability Framework, together with a range of other tools that will facilitate the seamless transfer of information. It will enable a school's Management Information System to transfer information to SWGfL Merlin and to Learning Environments.
- Integration of SWGfL Services - Through the simple sign on service, the user will be able to gain direct access to SWGfL Services without the need to log on specifically to these services. For example a user that has a SWGfL Mail account will be able to place on their virtual desktop a small window of the SWGfL Mail service, indicating the number of new unread messages.
- E-safety - Systems will be in place to ensure that all users of SWGfL Merlin operate in safe environment
SWGfL Merlin flyer
Download the flyer for SWGfL Merlin
What will SWGfL provide?
For more detail information on the services available through SWGfL Merlin, download our guide 'What will SWGfL Merlin provide?'.
Keeping in touch
To make sure you receive the latest updates on SWGfL Merlin and other SWGfL services, subscribe to SWGfL's mailing list at www.swgfl.org.uk/mailinglist ?