MANAGING ICT


Mohamad Djahanbakhsh considers the future of


technology in 2011 and beyond


factors; however, new, highly intuitive technologies now deliver even greater efficiencies, requiring little or no human input, streamlining processes to enable teachers to get back to teaching. The rise in the use of Web 2.0 and cloud technologies is also widening collaboration opportunities, creating more effective communication between schools.


A Cloud solutions


As many schools make the move to become autonomous academies and free schools, we are seeing a steady rise in the uptake of cloud solutions. Time is money and hosted solutions can help to dramatically reduce staff time spent on managing applications. There is no local software to install, upgrades and back-ups are undertaken by datacentre staff, and servers are kept protected and up-to-date. From management information systems (MIS) and


learning platforms, to entire managed services, demand is on the rise for ICT solutions which offer greater flexibility and the cost efficiencies typically only associated with large-scale procurement. Hosted solutions deliver efficiencies at every level, from single schools keen to reduce their ICT overheads to federations seeking greater scalability and consistency for groups of schools.


Total cost of ownership


The reduction in ICT budgets is an issue that cannot be ignored so it is imperative that schools evaluate accurately the impact and outcomes of both existing


SK WHAT the future for educational technology in 2011 holds and a core theme echoed by schools, local authorities and private industry alike is the need for greater efficiency. Time and money are two vital


The future of ICT


and new technologies before investing. One technology which is currently helping schools achieve quality communication and collaboration experiences, while saving time and money, is Microsoft’s Live@edu, a hosted email solution available free of charge to schools. To achieve maximum return-on-investment for


technologies, schools must work with suppliers to simplify the ways staff and students access solutions. Integrating a school’s cloud services such as Live@ edu with their MIS, for example, will help increase uptake by users by creating a single-sign on to multiple services.


Learner analytics


Learner analytics is another important benefit of effective ICT. Technology allows users to automatically


analyse data and to produce real-time reports at the click of a button – a task which traditionally is not only incredibly time-consuming, but is highly vulnerable to human error. There is a rising demand from schools for online


technologies that perform such functions and provide detailed analysis of assessment data to help teachers plan and prepare for lessons. Next generation MIS and learning platforms convert raw pupil data into meaningful knowledge and push it back to a teacher’s computer screen at log-in, enabling teachers to focus on teaching and not the technology. The value of assessment software extends far


beyond the colation and analysis of results, enabling teachers to track and monitor learners that are not achieving their potential. Technology which can instantly convert raw data


into meaningful knowledge enables teachers to quickly identify patterns and areas of concern. This also enables schools to analyse data across individual subject areas and the entire school, which can help to quickly identify any barriers to learning, such as poor literacy or numeracy skills. This provides senior leaders with a comprehensive


approach to effective interventions and methods to improve achievement. For example, as soon as students enter the classroom,


teachers are instantly equipped with vital information such as their attendance that day/week, or behaviour in previous lessons. This is especially important for vulnerable groups of children such as those with SEN, in care or from ethnic minority backgrounds.


Personal devices


Students are constantly surrounded by the latest gadgets and technologies and enjoy using them as part of their daily lives. To continue engaging students in their learning, it is vital that education moves with the times and provides a truly interactive learning environment. Increased usage of handheld devices to achieve


anytime, anywhere learning in and outside the classroom is another key trend we are seeing among secondary schools. As the majority, if not all, students have their own


“mini-computer” in the form of a mobile phone, greater integration of this technology will not only enable students to learn on the move, but also have access to a familiar technology that they enjoy using.


SecEd


• Mohamad Djahanbakhsh is managing director of Serco Learning.


Tips for technology in 2011


Evaluate the impact of existing technologies and ways new technologies will support your school improvement plan before investing. Consider ways to integrate students’ personal devices into teaching and learning to help broaden the reach and impact of ICT without the need for considerable additional spend. Explore the benefits of migrating your


core services to a hosted solution with professional suppliers.


A new curriculum for 11-14 year-olds


The IMYC is a structured, rigorous, exciting tool to support improved learning, student engagement, international mindedness and personal development for KS3 students.


Offering 30 interdependent themes and subject- driven units, the IMYC is a jargon-free resource for teachers and a cost effective solution for schools looking for ways to improve learning.


Written for teachers by teachers, the IMYC has been created and developed by Fieldwork Education; providing 25 years of learning-focused support for schools around the world.


From Fieldwork Education, a division of the World Class Learning Group


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SecEd • May 19 2011


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