tag:www.neelf.com,2009://1 2009-07-01T09:40:01Z Movable Type 3.35 tag:www.neelf.com,2009://1.25 2009-06-26T12:20:33Z 2009-07-01T09:40:01Z

e-Learning Foundation 3000 Hillswood Drive Hillswood Business Park Chertsey Surrey KT16 0RS T: 01932 796036 F: 01932 796660 E: info@e-learningfoundation.com...

C Knox e-Learning Foundation 3000 Hillswood Drive Hillswood Business Park Chertsey Surrey KT16 0RS T: 01932 796036 F: 01932 796660 E: info@e-learningfoundation.com tag:www.neelf.com,2007://1.16 2008-01-19T16:13:27Z 2008-09-04T12:07:41Z

AN entire year group at a Redcar and Cleveland school is getting online as part of a ground-breaking computer scheme. All 140 parents of Year 7 pupils at Redcar Community College signed up to receive a laptop thanks to grant...

AN entire year group at a Redcar and Cleveland school is getting online as part of a ground-breaking computer scheme. All 140 parents of Year 7 pupils at Redcar Community College signed up to receive a laptop thanks to grant funding from the North East e-Learning Foundation (NEELF). The Foundation provided the College with a grant of £20,000 last summer, with each family asked to consider making a small monthly donation of less than £10. As part of a family learning project, each family has also been provided with all the educational software required to support their child’s education, and all are taking part in a series of family learning sessions to provide an introduction on how to get the best out of the machine. The Toshiba laptop is part of a package worth nearly £2,000, with those taking part donating just a fraction of the total cost. The scheme, backed by Redcar and Cleveland Council, also enables parents to monitor their child’s progress at school, making them more engaged in the educational process, with further input from the local authority’s adult learning team to provide more learning experiences for the families. The North East e-Learning Foundation targets social inequality. In the 21st Century children who do not have access to ICT including the Internet are proven to be educationally disadvantaged, limiting life chances. Schools that have partnered the Foundation, many of them in some of the region’s most deprived communities, have attracted £2-3 of parental support for every grant pound invested in a home access initiative. Over the past two years £300,000 of grant funds have been transformed into £1.1m worth of ICT resource, providing not only the students but also their families with extended learning opportunities. Head Teacher Stuart Rees said: “The Family Learning Laptop project is one of the most exciting and important initiatives that has been launched at Redcar Community College in the recent past. “The project goes far beyond merely distributing laptops to all Year 7 students. It not only combines a programme of tutorials for the parents and their children which not only familiarises them with the range of software provided with the laptop, but gets right to the heart of showing parents how they can become actively engaged in helping their children learn and do better in their schoolwork. “Watching the parents and their children enjoying learning together has been one of the most inspirational educational experiences of my career and encapsulates all that we are trying to do as a school to raise the aspirations and attainment of our students and the wider community. “The Project has also given the teaching staff a tantalising glimpse of the potential of 21st Century teaching and learning.” The North East e-Learning Foundation commented: “We held a meeting at the Community College to introduce the scheme and the response from parents was fantastic. “Our aim is to bridge the digital divide – the laptop helps to stimulate interest and get parents more involved in their children’s education. “To aid this involvement we encourage schools to run introductory IT courses for the families, Redcar are doing this with great success, running numerous sessions over a five-week period tailored to individual levels of experience, ranging from beginners to advanced.” Redcar Community College Deputy Head Teacher David Kennedy added: “We wanted to make an impact in the community and I hope that in three years’ time we will have a school where everybody has a laptop and free internet access. “The benefits are enormous, and affect the whole family. “With free internet access, they are able to learn everything from home shopping to internet banking. “We are also rolling out the school portal which allows parents to access information about the school and even look at their child’s attendance records. “It’s also a possible precursor to further family learning in literacy, maths and IT, for example, which could lead to qualifications and even employment. “I really believe this has the potential to lift the whole area, helping parents to become computer-literate and able to access the kind of information that was previously unavailable to them.” David Major, Senior Adviser for Schools (ICT) with Redcar and Cleveland Council, said: “The school has taken the Computers for Pupils initiative and really made it extend the role of their school in the local community. “The way they have risen to the challenge as leaders is a great credit to them and their vision for the role of the school within the whole community. “They do not see the scheme as an add-on but central to the moral purpose of the school.” Redcar MP Vera Baird said: “I am very impressed by the Family Learning Project: it is the sort of cutting-edge thinking which can really transform communities. “Not only are children learning vital skills for their futures, but adults can also use the computers to improve their job prospects. “IT skills are vital in the modern economy, and it’s crucial to give young people the best chance, as the NEELF are helping to do. It is an excellent scheme.” tag:www.neelf.com,2007://1.32 2007-08-17T10:27:23Z 2007-08-22T11:35:56Z

In planning for most complex projects ‘the devil is in the detail’, and planning an e-learning initiative is certainly no exception in this respect. Introducing e-learning is about managing a series of interconnecting and mutually related issues, all of...

C Knox In planning for most complex projects ‘the devil is in the detail’, and planning an e-learning initiative is certainly no exception in this respect. Introducing e-learning is about managing a series of interconnecting and mutually related issues, all of which add up to a successful project. Managing any form of change is best seen as a process rather than an event, and this section of the website provides support notes that tackle some of the issues which will contribute to the success or failure of that change process. 1. Introducing an e-learning strategy Developing a well structured e-learning strategy will provide a shared understanding of the strategic purpose, the reasons for the change and the desired learning outcomes, will help to provide clarity of purpose, and will assist in the gathering of support from key stakeholders such as the pupils, the staff, the governors, and very importantly, the parents. Download - Introducing an e-learning strategy (PDF, 103KB) 2. Equity of access A school that provides equity of access is one where every child in a given group has exactly the same level of access to the school’s technology, at home as well as in the classroom, regardless of whether their parents have contributed to the school e-learning scheme, and of how much they have contributed. A school wishing to apply to the Foundation for financial support must be prepared to operate a policy of equity of access. Download - Equity of Access (PDF, 84.7KB) 3. Insurance Contrary to what some people might think, the vast majority of insurance claims connected to school laptops/portable devices are linked to accidental damage and theft from school premises rather than theft in transit which is relatively rare. Download - Insurance for school run home access projects (PDF, 89.3KB) 4. Safety and Security Schools need to put in place measures to protect their ICT equipment, their data and most importantly their pupils. The challenge is to implement the right solution at the right price. In fact many of these solutions do not cost the school anything while others will result in a reduction in the cost of insurance. Of course there is no one solution for all, so here we have summarised some of the approaches that other schools have taken. Download - Safety and Security (PDF, 87.9KB) 5. Holding a successful parental launch Having developed your schools’ e-Learning Strategy, you now have a project to launch. A successful launch to your parents is key if your vision of financial sustainability is to be realised. The following guidance note has been written to provide you with a series of simple steps to follow when planning your launch. It draws upon the Foundations’ experiences over the past few years. The notes cover successful strategies that have been employed in the past, but also look at what hasn’t worked and situations to avoid. Download - Holding a successful parental launch (PDF, 306KB) ]]> tag:www.neelf.com,2007://1.33 2007-08-16T12:43:01Z 2009-07-01T08:49:29Z

The North East e-Learning Foundation understands the demands that regular donation collection can place on a school project. Working in partnership with Unity Trust Bank, the North East e-Learning Foundation has developed a Donation Management Service (DMS), to remove the...

D Hopkinson The North East e-Learning Foundation understands the demands that regular donation collection can place on a school project. Working in partnership with Unity Trust Bank, the North East e-Learning Foundation has developed a Donation Management Service (DMS), to remove the administrative burden associated with the handling of regular donations allowing you time to focus on running your project. The service will: • Collect donations via Direct Debit* • Claim Gift Aid on donations • Pay funds back to your project via cheque • Provide you with regular reports *We appreciate that some donors will not be able to make payments using Direct Debit. Alternative payment methods can be employed for these individuals. Please contact the National e-Learning Foundation for further details. How the service works When you are ready to launch your project to parents, the Foundation will provide you with a set of Direct Debit forms and Gift Aid declarations. These should be completed by those wishing to make regular monthly donations to your project, and returned to the Foundation for processing. Donations to support your project will be collected by the e-Learning Foundation, and the funds collected, less the administration fee (see administration charges), will be paid via cheque for you to deposit into the projects nominated bank account each month. The Foundation will make quarterly Gift Aid claims against the donations received, this money, less the administration fee, will be paid to your project via cheque each quarter. Banking Arrangements All monies paid back to your project by the DMS will be via cheque. Reporting The DMS will provide you with regular reports on funding. At the end of each calendar quarter, you will receive a report detailing: • Donations received, by donor • Grants paid back to your project via cheque • Gift Aid received on donations Gift Aid The DMS will recover Gift Aid for all donations associated with a Gift Aid declaration. Administration Charges Each donation made to the Foundation under the DMS will comprise of two elements: • A restricted donation of 87.5% of the total (donation plus Gift Aid, if applicable), to be paid to the project they wish to support i.e. your school What next? Contact the National e-Learning Foundation on 01932 796036 to discuss your project in more detail or email any questions to info@e-learningfoundation.com, placing DMS in the email subject heading. We will be happy to provide you with a DMS proposal that will provide further details about the service. Download - Donation Management Service Explained (PDF, 89.3KB) ]]> tag:www.neelf.com,2007://1.30 2007-08-15T17:01:09Z 2007-08-15T17:03:01Z

PDAs are the best thing since sliced bread, debate............

D Hopkinson PDAs are the best thing since sliced bread, debate......... tag:www.neelf.com,2007://1.34 2007-08-15T12:43:36Z 2009-06-26T13:52:04Z

The e-Learning Foundation has helped schools from across the region to secure in excess of £300,000 worth of grant funding over the past two years. The funding has come from both regional and national sources and in all cases has...

D Hopkinson £300,000 worth of grant funding over the past two years. The funding has come from both regional and national sources and in all cases has formed just part of the funding mix of school led home access projects. This section of the site looks in detail at the types of funding available, how schools can apply for a grant and also the criteria that a school can expect to have associated with incoming funds.]]> What grant funding is available through the e-Learning Foundation? Please Contact the e-Learning Foundation for further information. ]]> tag:www.neelf.com,2007://1.12 2007-08-14T14:28:27Z 2008-02-26T11:25:42Z

Existing North East e-Learning Foundation projects...

Existing North East e-Learning Foundation projects Acklam Grange School, Acklam, Middlesbrough "The foundation has been invaluable to our school for their support, advice and direct contact with parents and pupils from our school". Martin Wain – Assistant Head Teacher Caedmon Primary School, Grangetown, Redcar & Cleveland Grangetown Primary School (2 projects), Grangetown, Redcar & Cleveland Ravensworth Junior School (2 projects), Normanby, Redcar & Cleveland "When schools take risks they need strong and influential partners and the e-Learning Foundation has fulfilled that role admirably". Kevin Skelton – Head Teacher Ormesby Primary, Ormesby, Redcar & Cleveland Dyke House School (3 projects), Hartlepool "The e-Learning Foundation has been invaluable in creating a sustainable e-learning project at Dyke House". John Taylor - Deputy Head Teacher Hilton Primary School (3 projects), Blakelaw, Newcastle "As one of the first project schools, ELF has helped us to realise our vision for ICT and in turn it has promoted our status at the cutting edge of ICT in Primary Education". John Laws - Head Teacher Kenton Bar Primary School, Kenton Bar, Newcastle " I would advise all schools who are not part of the North East e-Learning Foundation to get in touch with them, the turnaround and detail in the pupils work is outstanding". Tony Leonard - Head Teacher Farne Primary, Newbiggin Hall, Newcastle All Saints College (2 projects), West Denton, Newcastle "Our thanks again to Dan and his team, without whom we would not be in the very enviable position we are today". David Scott – Principle, All Saints College Our Lady and St Thomas Primary School, Willington, County Durham Southmoor School (2 projects), Southmoor, Sunderland Bishop Barrington Secondary School, Bishop Auckalnd, County Durham The Village Primary School, Thornaby, Stockton on Tees “It’s wonderful to see the children so excited about being able to continue their learning at home, the parents were equally as excited as it’s a great way for them to get involved too". Patricia Gibb - Head Teacher Milfield Community First School, Milfield, Northumberland "Many parents have expressed appreciation for the access to high quality ICT equipment provided. One parent, whose family resides in Australia, has been able to e-mail regularly whereas before communication was limited to the odd letter or phone call". Dave Vero - Head Teacher Kibblesworth Primary School, Kibblesworth, Gateshead "The children have knowledge and skills above the national curriculum expectations and we are having to seek expert advice from our ICT advisory teacher to extend them further". Kevin Scott – Head Teacher Kells Lane Primary School, Low Fell, Gateshead "The EDAs were an excellent alternative for us and, as expected, the enthusiasm generated has been incredible". Di Hewitson - Head Teacher Whitemere Primary School, Wardley, Gateshead "Parents have reported reduced use of computer games at home and increased use of the school software". David Skilbeck - Head Teacher Redcar Community College, Redcar, Redcar & Cleveland “We wanted to make an impact in the community and I hope that in three years’ time we will have a school where everybody has a laptop.The benefits are enormous, and affect the whole family". David Kennedy - Deputy Head Teacher St Albans Primary School, Walker, Newcastle "It has enabled some of our poorer families to become discerning ICT users supporting pupil progress and improving pupil self-esteem". Mike Donnelly – Head Teacher Walker Technology College, Walker, Newcastle "The project at Walker to give access to technology for the whole of our Year 7 cohort including some of the most disadvantaged youngsters in the city has been transformational". Mike Collier - Deputy Head Teacher Byker Primary School, Byker, Newcastle “We cannot thank the foundation enough for this fantastic opportunity”. Linda Bradley – Head Teacher Bowesfield Primary School, Stockton on Tees Freebrough College, Redcar & Cleveland Kirkleatham Hall (special school), Redcar & Cleveland]]> tag:www.neelf.com,2007://1.35 2007-08-13T12:44:21Z 2008-02-19T14:43:20Z

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October 10th - 12th, London Now in its third year the Handheld Learning Conference and Exhibition has established itself as the signature event for those interested in opportunities presented by “always-on” learning....

October 10th - 12th, London Now in its third year the Handheld Learning Conference and Exhibition has established itself as the signature event for those interested in opportunities presented by “always-on” learning. ]]> conference website ]]> tag:www.neelf.com,2007://1.29 2007-07-31T16:02:35Z 2007-08-15T16:07:54Z

9th - 12th January 2008, London BETT is the world's leading educational ICT event, attracting over 600 educational suppliers and close to 30000 visitors, and bringing together the global teaching and learning community for four days of innovations and...

D Hopkinson 9th - 12th January 2008, London BETT is the world's leading educational ICT event, attracting over 600 educational suppliers and close to 30000 visitors, and bringing together the global teaching and learning community for four days of innovations and inspirations. ]]> BETT website]]> tag:www.neelf.com,2007://1.26 2007-07-13T12:48:04Z 2008-09-04T12:15:42Z

Children from Ravensworth Primary School, Normanby will be testing their wildlife knowledge with the help of special handheld computers at Flatts Lane Woodland Country Park this week....

C Knox Children from Ravensworth Primary School, Normanby will be testing their wildlife knowledge with the help of special handheld computers at Flatts Lane Woodland Country Park this week. The youngsters will be trying out their new EDA - Education Digital Assistants - and using the software 'Wildkey' to help them identify sounds, plants and creatures with exercises in pond-dipping and a minibeast trail. Headteacher Kevin Skelton explained: "Everyone is very excited with these computers and I'm sure we can enhance the learning experiences for us all - children and teachers! "There is a quiet revolution taking place in a small number of British classrooms and Redcar and Cleveland is at the heart of this new adventure in digital education." Countryside warden Helen Taylor said: "We are happy with the opportunity to provide children with a chance to use them and will be very interested in the results." Redcar and Cleveland Council's Cabinet Member with responsibility for Rural Affairs Councillor Mark Hannon said: "This is an excellent project, with combines great fun with terrific learning opportunities and I'm sure it will be a success". The £16,000 project is half-funded by parents with the assistance of a grant from DSG International plc, through the e-Learning Foundation, a charity set up to specifically ensure every pupil in the UK should have access to technology for learning when and where they want to learn. DSGi Community Affairs Manager Clare Brine, whose company is Europe's leading specialist electrical retailing group, said: "We're delighted to help. Access to and familiarity with IT is critical to the future of children as it increasingly becomes part of our daily lives." tag:www.neelf.com,2007://1.17 2007-07-06T15:15:10Z 2008-02-19T16:07:40Z

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School invests in Laptop library to reduce digital divide Ann Baxter, Director of Children’s Services (DCS), will officially launch a new e-learning project at The Village Primary school, in a bid to reduce the digital divide in the North East....

C Knox School invests in Laptop library to reduce digital divide Ann Baxter, Director of Children’s Services (DCS), will officially launch a new e-learning project at The Village Primary school, in a bid to reduce the digital divide in the North East. A laptop library is being opened to the children of years 5 and 6 in the first phase of a brand new project. The Village Primary was the first school in the area to become part of the North East e-Learning Foundation, which exists to support the region’s schools. The Foundation will be presenting £7,000 to The Village Primary to help its plans. This funding was granted to the national e-Learning Foundation from the DfES and local businessman Graham Wylie. The programme, which is focussed on increasing the use of ICT by improving access in the home, is currently being implemented to tackle the area’s digital divide and create a level playing field for local children. The North East currently has the highest percentage of children living in low income households and the second lowest levels of Internet access. Despite this, The Village Primary has implemented a sustainable project by gaining financial support through its parents. Patricia Gibb, Head teacher at The Village Primary, is confident that the results will speak for themselves and is delighted with the response and support received from the parents and local businesses. Commenting on the hidden benefits, she said: “Implementing ICT in homes will not only help children in their studies, it will have an impact on the parents too. They will inadvertently learn IT skills through their children which will enable them to better support them with homework and learning.” Daniel Hopkinson, Chief Executive for the North East e-Learning Foundation commented: “The North East e-Learning Foundation is committed to placing the young people of the North East at the forefront of learning. The Village Primary is a fantastic example of how much can be achieved when the school, parents, children and community all work together.”