May 2006 - Posts

Saturday, May 27, 2006 9:21 PM

Becta recommends open document formats

BECTA recommends that schools save documents using Open Formats

Just noticed that BECTA has included an interesting policy in its published technical specification for schools. According to the document, the agency mandates schools to use software that allows saving files in open formats. The agency recommends the following formats:

OpenDocument (.odt), plain text, RTF for text documents
OpenDocument (.ods), CSV for spreadsheets
OpenDocument (.odb), CSV for databases
OpenDocument (.odp), HTML, SMIL for presentations

Microsoft XML or .doc formats are not listed.

Perhaps I now need to take a closer look at Open Office, the free office software. Recently in france I notice that it is given FREE on a CD to all educators and learners.

Posted by AlanDay | 2 comment(s)
Saturday, May 27, 2006 9:01 PM

Personalised Learning - Learning Platforms advice and guidance

Well, I'm publishing the final draft of the Learning Platform advice and guidance document. One thing is certain, expect it to be updated regularly!

 
LPCover
 
Because ... I have had an early site of version 1.0 of the Becta learning platform functional specification, and it amplifies the challenge schools face in deciding what they should be doing.

In a nutshell, the Learning Platform is starting to look less like a single product; rather it may be collection of applications linked by a single sign-on. From the spec, I can tell you with certainty that there isn't a single product on the market that fully meets the spec'. AND all of the suppliers are marketing aggressively to schools.

So ... we have local authorities being pressured to 'buy a one size fits all system' (that schools may not want). Schools being told to go out and buy '... something! ... but to keep an eye on what their Local Authority is doing', and a specification that doesn't match either of the above, which means it all may be different in three years time! Oh ... and add to this the fact that Becta won't have the framework contracts in place until probably Feb 2007.

Math's is so much more logical than ICT ... anyone for chaos theory?

 
LPBectaMatrix
 
To assist schools, becta have produced an online tool for advisors and headteachers / ICT coordinators to assess their readiness and school needs without resorting to technical language.
Posted by AlanDay | 6 comment(s)
Saturday, May 27, 2006 8:49 PM

What is personalised learning?

So, everyone is talking about it. It will eventually affect every child in a school. All teachers will have to learn how to teach it. But what does it mean?

BBC article ... interesting perspective from their education correspondent Mike Baker. Has a resonance; what do you think?

 
Mike Baker

Posted by AlanDay
Friday, May 12, 2006 9:10 AM

In the news - New Line Learning Student Rebellion?

 
KM_0120506_NLL007.jpg
 
Interesting news article across the front page of the local news paper. Its interesting to read the perspective of the 'aggrieved' students. It also shows how difficult real change and transformation is. Implicit in the reported remarks of the children is a very conservative idea of what education should look like. All those involved in the transformational agenda need to be aware that structural change to the way teachers teach and learners learn has to deal with people who have a embedded traditional model of what school should look like. What do you think
Posted by AlanDay | 1 comment(s)
Saturday, May 06, 2006 8:30 AM

Safe sex by txt?

 
TES_070506004.jpg
 
An interesting application for ICT! Getting your condoms by mail order ... all you do is send a text? What it doesn't explain is whether the service requires proof of age! What do you think? (interestingly, the author of the press release is Mrs A Summers!! sound familiar?)
Posted by AlanDay