MANAGING ICT MANAGING ICT
The clock is ticking
Online reporting
have implemented the online reporting system that
suitable training and support is available. As such
is one of the
we plan to offer courses tailored to each user group
– staff, parents and students. This will help them to
understand their role further and how they can exploit
most innovative
the technology to its full benefit.”
It is clear that using technology to report to parents
aspects of a
will have a powerful and constructive influence on the
three-way parent, student, school relationship, as well
virtual learning environment.
as having the potential to significantly improve learning
outcomes. However, there are also management issues
However, it also remains one
to consider.
As an example, in today’s society, family structures
can be complex. In the instance that a parent is suddenly
that many schools are yet
legally prohibited from having any contact with their
child or receiving information as to their whereabouts,
to exploit. Steve Smith
how will this information be communicated quickly
enough to the school so that “permissions” to view
provides an insight into the
sensitive information can be revoked and access to the
systems denied?
It also raises further questions that schools need to be
road ahead
aware of. How do schools give the right people the right
access to the right information? Should schools attempt
a low-risk, minimalist conformance model of online
reporting that includes attendance and behaviour, progress
ROM SEPTEMBER 2008 all schools and attainment, and SEN information only? Or should
F
were required to make a move towards they make a greater range of information available?
online reporting, as a result of the Given e-safety and e-security are paramount, online
Department for Children, Schools reporting could make management issues such as these
and Families’ “real-time reporting” a far bigger challenge than the technology ones. These
initiative. This aims to allow parents are all questions that should be considered.
to have secure, online access to New technologies have made an enormous impact
information on their child’s progress, achievements, on many aspects of our lives and with online reporting
attendance, behaviour, and SEN, at anytime and from tools, it has never been easier to be kept updated on a
anywhere. child’s educational progress. It will not be long until
As home-school engagement is so high on the online reporting systems are embedded into the daily
agenda, many schools have already embarked on this routine of every school. It is however important to
journey and are reaping the benefits. Others are yet emphasise that schools should approach this initiative
to start, and for these schools, it can be a daunting with an all-encompassing view of both the benefits and
prospect, and one which is further amplified by the fast- the wider implications. SecEd
approaching deadline.
However, it is not as complex as some believe. • Steve Smith is director of learning at Ramesys.
As learning platforms become more established, and
schools begin to manage data more effectively, so the There are many issues to be considered and managed
possibility of real-time reporting becomes apparent. to achieve a functional and effective online reporting
The deadline for online reporting is 2010 for system. For instance, schools must work closely with FREE
secondary schools, and the government is actively their learning platform suppliers to create a suitable
taking steps to achieve its target. For schools, the first online reporting tool and to ensure that the vision for
T
eacher Support
meetings
step is to work closely with the staff, parents and students online reporting is achieved, and as with any move to a
to prepare for this new method of communication, and new way of working, schools will need to review their
to also review existing technology in order to assess the own capabilities too.
most appropriate way forward. Mr Mountford hopes to have a system in place in the
Part of the battle is, of course, to close the digital next few months. He explained: “We are approaching our
divide. With more than one million children, and their move to online reporting systematically. It’s important
families, with no access to a computer at home, there is that projects like this are effectively planned. It is all
certainly a tough challenge ahead. too common for schools to rush to meet the countless
Chessington Community College in Kingston- deadlines, but we are getting started early to ensure there
upon-Thames is working towards having an online is plenty of time to achieve complete success.”
reporting system available by October and is focusing In the initial stages, changes or an investment of
on closing the gap. Principal David Kemp said: “In time and money may be necessary, but there are early
terms of online reporting, inclusion is absolutely indications from schools that have already adopted this
essential. Approximately 95 per cent of our students’ method that a range of benefits have been experienced,
parents have access to a computer and the internet. Our such as long-term time-saving for the teachers, as well
aim is to provide access to computers in our internet as improved relations with the parents.
The Diploma in Environmental and
café for the remaining five per cent of parents. We are Mr Mountford added: “Online reporting for our staff
even considering the possibility of donating our old means greater flexibility and convenience.”
Land-based Studies.
computers to these parents.” One of the biggest challenges of online reporting is
This view is shared by Nigel Mountford, headteacher the people element; ensuring that everyone including Changing lives in a changing world.
at The Harwich School in Essex. He added: “Our teachers, parents and students are fully aware of how to
college is in a socially deprived area, and so inclusion use the technology and the protocols to be followed.
is paramount. Some parents may not immediately As an example, if the system is to facilitate
recognise the benefits of online reporting, and therefore interactivity and allow parents to feedback comments, If you’re involved in teaching the Equip yourself in advance
it is our responsibility to raise awareness and ensure that there may be concerns from staff about work overload, new AQA-City & Guilds Diploma
The whole day sessions will enable you
access is available to everyone.” and dealing with difficult or inappropriate comments. It
in Environmental and Land-based
to be fully prepared and will provide
Historically, reporting has always been an annual is these issues that need to be addressed through clear
Studies, you’ll enable your teaching
occasion where parents receive updates on their child’s procedures, such as a users’ code of practice.
you with free resource materials.
to be much more sustainable by
progress through face-to-face meetings with tutors and a To develop effective online reporting schools need
attending one of our FREE Preparing Sign up today as the meetings are
written report. However, in recent years, and particularly to think about the three-way relationships between
to Teach meetings. proving to be very popular.
as schools begin to embrace modern technologies, it is themselves, the parents, and the learners. All of these
recognised that in order to strengthen the school-parent people need to have a voice in the discussions to feel a Don’t miss our expert Nationwide venues
relationship a more innovative approach is needed, and valued part of its development.
help in 6 key areas:
Preston, Brighton, Southampton,
this is where real-time reporting comes into play. Mr Mountford agreed: “We are looking to engage
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Taunton, Cambridge/St Ives,
In the same way that parents can log on and everyone in the discussions. For instance, in the past
check the breaking news from around the world, it is we have formed steering groups for parents to have
organisation
Goole, Newcastle upon Tyne and
reasonable to provide parents with the facility to access input into our present reports, and we will in the future
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Birmingham/Bournville - from 14th
reports on their child’s educational progress, as and ask parents to become part of a steering group to look
preparation
May onwards.
when required. at online reporting.
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Parental engagement is just one of the important “We also plan to pilot online reporting with a cross
Don’t miss these FREE meetings.
components in the relationship between learners, their section of parents including those that have never used
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Book online at:
schools, and their homes. Of course online reporting a computer as well as those who are fully computer
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http://events.aqa.org.uk/ebooking/
should not replace face-to-face communication, nor literate.”
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should it duplicate or replace annual reporting. Instead So what does this all mean for teachers? Teachers
Or telephone 01423 534385 today.
it should be viewed as a supplementary method to must be consulted during the planning stages and
These free meetings answer questions
provide up-to-date information at regular intervals trained and supported when the system goes live. Some
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throughout the year. may assume that this creates more work and is a further
and are part of our ongoing support
Mr Kemp continued: “Chessington will continue burden for an already demanding teacher schedule, but
programme.
with the half termly assessments, termly and end-of- by using the most appropriate technology, workload is
year reports. Online reporting is the next logical step for significantly reduced.
www.diplomainfo.org.uk/ELB
us and will enhance our existing reporting processes.” Mr Kemp said: “It is absolutely vital that once we
AQA_C&G_SecED.indd 1 20/4/09 12:54:17
SecEd • April 23 2009 11
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