Technology in schools - what does good look like?

Transcription

1 czone.eastsussex.gov.uk/ictstrategy Technology in schools - what does good look like? Schools ICT Strategy East Sussex Schools ICT Strategy

2 Contents Introduction and background... 3 How to use this document... 3 Looking back key achievements under the previous strategy... 4 Help and Support... 4 Our Vision... 5 Section 1 Information and Provision Management... 6 Introduction to Information and Provision Management... 7 Element Element Element Element Section 2 E-Safety Introduction to E-safety Element Element Element Element Section 3 Anytime Anywhere Learning Introduction to Anytime Anywhere Learning Element Element Element Element Section 4 The Electronic Environment Introduction to the Electronic Environment Element Element Element Element Element ICT Strategy Action Plan East Sussex Schools ICT Strategy

3 Background Introduction and background This document lays out our continuing vision for ICT in all schools whether LA maintained, voluntary aided, a trust school or an Academy. The approach and strategies within this document are an evolution from our previous strategy, Harnessing Technology for Whole School Improvement, and take into account the new financial and political landscape in which we find ourselves. We wanted to create a strategy that helps all schools develop their usage and understanding of ICT, as such you won t find metrics or percentage figures in this document. Instead we invite schools to look at their current situation and develop plans for driving forward their own ICT agenda. To help achieve this vision there are four key strands running through this strategy; 1. Information and Provision Management 2. E-Safety 3. Anytime Anywhere Learning 4. The Electronic Environment How to use this document This document is designed to help you share the information around your school. The strategy is broken down into 4 core sections. One for each of: Information and Provision Management, E-Safety, Anytime Anywhere Learning and the Electronic Environment. Each section can be looked at separately and handed out to the member of staff with responsibility for that area, to help support and guide their work. At the end of this document you will find an overall action plan that senior leaders in school can use for planning and tracking progress. In each section we have outlined 3 levels for schools to measure their current practice against - Developing, Establishing and Enhancing. Alongside these, we have listed key actions a school could take to move through the levels, as well as the support available from East Sussex Country Council to help deliver improvements. The levels are designed to be challenging and level 3 (Developing) sets the basic expectations schools should have regarding that area of ICT. If you don t feel your school yet meets Level 3 in some areas, don t worry, the suggested actions and LA support listed for each element will help you. Self review The self review elements of this strategy are taken from BECTA self review framework for schools and other BETCA publications such as their information management strategy. Full details of the self review can be found online at: East Sussex Schools ICT Strategy

4 Background Looking back key achievements under the previous strategy The last strategy, Harnessing Technology for Whole School Improvement, was launched in 2008 and set out a number of key objectives. Here were some of the key achievements under that strategy. Every school in East Sussex now has a learning platform An e-safety group has been formed and is working with schools The RBUSS centralised Backup system has been introduced Groupcall Xporter has been introduced to collect data automatically from schools SIMS Assessment Manager templates have been created Czone has continued to be developed including; the emergency school closure system, the event calendar and the A-Z of school contacts The ICT Mark has been launched successfully and schools are achieving this The new Premier Service for ICT support in schools has been launched. ITIL methodology has been introduced to school support services Help and Support This strategy has been developed by staff across ESCC in collaboration with schools. Throughout the document we talk about the help and support that is available from us as Local Authority. Contact details for the teams supporting the strategy can be found here: Strategy Owner Information Management E-Safety Anytime Anywhere Learning The Electronic Environment Schools ICT Strategy Group John.moore@eastsussex.gov.uk Schools Application Support team (option 1) sas@eastsussex.gov.uk LSCB E-Safety Officer E-safety@eastsussex.gov.uk Standards and Learning Effectiveness Service sles@eastsussex.gov.uk Schools ICT Services (option 2) ssd@eastsussex.gov.uk Further details of support are also available in the school management section on czone.eastsussex.gov.uk, on the ICT pages or in the Traded Services catalogue. East Sussex Schools ICT Strategy

5 The Vision Our Vision Our vision is one where all learners in East Sussex become confident users of new technologies in order to achieve their full potential as global citizens. Matt Dunkley Director of Children s Services June 2011 To achieve this vision we want to; Develop innovative curricula Support teachers to use ICT systems in engaging and effective ways, transforming the curricula and in so doing raising achievement and ensuring learners achieve their potential Ensure teachers use best e-safety practice so learners work safely and responsibly Show how involvement in local, national and world communities can raise aspirations and lead to greater understanding between different groups Sustain high quality learning environments Take advantage of economies of scale to invest in sustainable, high-quality ICT equipment and software, thereby supporting effective teaching and learning and ensuring fast, reliable and secure services on any device in any location. Use ICT to increase pupil participation and the online learning platform to engage families and those children not in mainstream education Trial new and innovative approaches to delivering cost-effective services Empower school leaders Help schools evaluate their ICT procurement and provision in terms of both costs and impact on learning so they can develop a vision and plan strategically. Support senior leaders and governors to develop effective policies and practice across the school community to ensure, among other things, equitable access to ICT for learners; a reduced administrative burden; increased parental engagement; and enhanced partnerships with stakeholders. East Sussex Schools ICT Strategy

6 Section 1 Information and Provision Management It is not the provision of data as such but the embedding of appropriate practices which will enhance learning and personalisation. The Schools Application Support team can provide guidance and support on this section. Contact (option 1) sas@eastsussex.gov.uk Further details of support are also available in the school management section on czone.eastsussex.gov.uk, on the ICT pages or in the Traded Services catalogue. East Sussex Schools ICT Strategy

7 Information and Provision Management Introduction to Information and Provision Management Employing a coordinated strategy for Information and Provision Management will help you to improve the quality of the data you collect and manage it more effectively to support teaching and learning. It will also assist you in meeting the aims of Every Child Matters, the requirements of safeguarding children and parental engagement. It will also help your schools improve its data security. East Sussex Schools ICT Strategy

8 Information and Provision Management Element 1 All schools have an effective information and provision management strategy designed to inform and improve pupil outcomes. Level 3 Level 2 Level 1 - The school has adopted a consistent approach to the implementation of a strategic plan. - Resources, roles and responsibilities are allocated. An audit has taken place of the information held by the school - The cycle of implementation evaluation and review is in place. - All sensitive information held within school systems has an identified asset owner and risks have been identified - The cycle of implementation, evaluation and review involves all appropriate staff. The strategy is embraced by all and has the flexibility to evolve and innovate - Policies cover data protection, data handling and protecting the privacy of learners, staff and parents The following actions would help a school progress towards Level 1 1. Identify an accountable lead within Senior Leadership team (SLT) for information management with a named governor to challenge them. 2. Publish a vision for information management that can be viewed by parents and partners. 3. Develop an information management strategy that; a. Covers safeguarding, data protection, data in transit and any other legal requirements for information handling; b. Looks at internal systems as well as how information is shared with partners; c. Supports and enhances all of the school s aims in terms of learning, teaching, management and administration. 4. Collaborate with other schools and revise and improve the strategy to take into account national drivers and improved practice used by peers and partners East Sussex Schools ICT Strategy

9 Information and Provision Management To support schools, the LA will 1. Facilitate collaboration between schools for development of strategies and specific expertise. 2. Offer guidance on what an information management vision should include (along with examples of the accepted standard). 3. Establish and maintain a system to allow effective information transfer between schools and the authority using tools like AVCO Anycomms or s2s over the East Sussex network. 4. Share best practice with other local authorities to develop knowledge. 5. Provide a check list to support the development of an information strategy. East Sussex Schools ICT Strategy

10 Information and Provision Management Element 2 Policies are in place to support data quality, security and accuracy which has a positive impact on school effectiveness, individuals and vulnerable groups. Level 3 Level 2 Level 1 - Procedures and polices are in place to ensure most data is accurate, up to date and legal requirements are adhered to. - Most data is held in the school s information management system. The school has a relevant and comprehensive data security policy in place. - The information management system enables efficiency savings in a range of learning and management processes - All data is held in a central data management system. Data from a range of sources is analysed to make meaningful information available to stakeholders. - The data security policy and procedures are understood by most and practice is monitored. - Effective information management is having an impact on learner outcomes - All data is up to date, relevant and accurate. Review processes to ensure the most efficient and effective systems are in place. - The data security policy is relevant, comprehensive and regularly reviewed. - An extended range of data and information is available in real time which has a positive impact on school effectiveness The following actions would help a school progress towards Level 1 1. Identifying what data is necessary for statutory purposes and what is necessary for school effectiveness; 2. Ensuring that all data is up to date, relevant and accurate so that it can have a positive impact on school effectiveness; 3. Establishing a monitoring and review process to ensure the consistency of data management across the school; 4. Making full use of appropriate technologies and applications for capturing, transferring and maintaining data; 5. Ensuring the data security policy is understood by all and the practice is monitored and adhered to; 6. Putting in place systems that enable the right data to be available to the right people at the right time. East Sussex Schools ICT Strategy

11 Information and Provision Management To support schools, the LA will: 1. Offer opportunities for an audit or check of schools data to share best practice and identify weaknesses; 2. Offer advice and guidance on the use of technologies to support data management, statutory requirements for data collection and the use of data to improve the management and efficiency of schools; 3. Promote new and appropriate data management applications and technologies; 4. Offer guidance, advice and support for schools regarding the safe custody, access,transfer and sharing of data in all contexts; 5. Support and promote the use of authority wide data transfer mechanisms ; and 6. Act as a gate keeper to validate data collection requests to stop duplication or unnecessary work and reduce the administrative burden East Sussex Schools ICT Strategy

12 Information and Provision Management Element 3 A successful school will continually develop capacity and capability in recognition that this is a requirement of a effective information management strategy. Level 3 Level 2 Level 1 - Professional development forms part of the strategic approach to information management, taking into account security and data protection - Users know where to escalate problems to and make effective use of support services. - The school monitors, evaluates and reviews the impact of training and professional development - Staff have sufficient support and training to make effective and confident use of systems. - The school continually reviews how effectively professional development requirements are being met. - A supportive culture and working practice exists. The school participates in events to share good practice. The following actions would help a school progress towards Level 1 1. Ensure current financial and time resources are adequate for maintaining policies and that there are practices in place to sustain these over the life of this strategy; 2. Continually review how effectively requirements are being met by the use of information management; 3. Provide a supportive culture and working practice that provides staff with access to peer, expert and external support 4. Ensure that contracts and service level agreements are in place with suppliers and support providers of management information systems. 5. Contribute to, and participate in, the training of stakeholders across the wider learning community; and 6. Work with NQTs to ensure they investigate information management as part of their initial ICT competency work. East Sussex Schools ICT Strategy

13 Information and Provision Management To support schools, the LA will 1. Provide schools with training and learning opportunities to support the development of an information strategy; 2. Help schools understand their current use of information and identify areas for improvement; 3. Provide opportunities for collaboration between schools and encourage the development of local leaders for information management; and 4. Ensure that our ICT services providers have in place an SLA that offers a baseline level of support for the use of information management systems East Sussex Schools ICT Strategy

14 Information and Provision Management Element 4 Staff, learners and parents make appropriate use of the information available to them as part of effective practice to enhance provision and improve outcomes. Level 3 Level 2 Level 1 - Staff and learners use the information available to them as part of their regular working practice. - There are systems for sharing data securely to provide appropriate information to meet the needs of stakeholders. - A range of appropriate stakeholders use information management systems to improve learning and working practices. - Some information is shared in real time, on demand, with authenticated stakeholders. - Innovative use of data creates new ways of working and results in continued improvement of learner outcomes. - All or nearly all stakeholder expectations are met by the information management systems. The following actions would help a school progress towards Level 1 1. Provide stakeholders with easy, ready and timely access to the information and data relevant to them; 2. Enable parents to input into the data available on their children; 3. Help to ensure reliability, validity and timeliness of information by entering data at source; 4. Adopt the practice of distributed leadership for the use of MIS in the classroom and throughout the school; and 5. Review data held in Information management systems to inform the development of best practice, reduce costs and increase efficiencies. To support schools, the LA will 1. Encourage schools to identify, share and employ best practice, locally and nationally, in managing key assessment and personal information; 2. Create a bank of evidence showcasing evidence of effectiveness and efficiencies; 3. Support schools in effective provision management and realising value for money; 4. Support schools in delivering online reporting to parents and learners; 5. Support the roll out of MIS systems to the classroom; and 6. Provide guidance on emerging technologies which are fit for purpose, demonstrating efficiency savings and improved outcomes East Sussex Schools ICT Strategy

15 Section 2 E-Safety What does the civil service do when the chips are down? Minister, its our job to ensure the chips stay up (Conversation between James Hacker MP, and Bernard Wolley) The LSCB E-Safety Officer can provide guidance and support on this section. Contact E-safety@eastsussex.gov.uk Further details of support are also available in the school management section on czone.eastsussex.gov.uk, on the ICT pages or in the Traded Services catalogue. East Sussex Schools ICT Strategy

16 E-Safety Introduction to E-safety We are committed to providing every child in East Sussex schools with access to education that will enable them to engage with online technology in and out of school in a safe and responsible manner. We want all users at every level to adopt safe practices, to know and understand the benefits and risks of engaging online technology, particularly the internet. We are also committed to providing schools with access to high quality training and support and to assist them in engaging with their stakeholders in sending out a common message around e-safety. Owing to the developmental nature of technology, e-safety can never be considered to be done and will always be a constantly evolving behavioural issue rather than a technological one. For the first time, e-safety is under the overarching Safeguarding responsibilities of the Local Safeguarding Children s Board. In order for the board to monitor e-safety in the county and to understand the risks and issues, it is necessary to collect information on e-safety incidents and safeguards in order to ensure that appropriate resources are available. The LSCB E-Safety group firmly believe that together, we can make E-Sussex, E- Safe East Sussex Schools ICT Strategy

17 E-Safety Element 1 Policies and practice. Level 3 Level 2 Level 1 The school is fully aware of its responsibilities and takes appropriate action to ensure that ICT usage by all staff and pupils is responsible, safe and secure. It has a coordinated approach to the development and implementation of its e- safety policy. E-safety is embedded within the wider school culture. Policies are comprehensive and regularly reviewed in line with developments in technology and practice. There is co-ordinated and robust implementation of safeguarding policies by all staff, governors and pupils within and beyond the school and practice is monitored. The school engages regularly with parents/carers to promote the e-safety of pupils beyond the school. The school is vigilant in identifying and responding to new challenges for e-safety. Through constructive dialogue it encourages pupils, parents/carers, other stakeholders and the wider community to contribute to ongoing developments in e-safety policy and practice, and helps them to deal with e-safety challenges they encounter. The following actions would help a school progress towards Level 1 1. Ensure that a fully consulted Acceptable Use and/or E-Safety policy is in place, and that it is updated annually; 2. Ensure that all staff handbooks have an e-safety incident management flow chart and incident record; 3. Ensure that disclosure procedures are known by all staff and refreshed annually; 4. Have a designated E-Safety Officer or E-Safety Champion ; 5. Monitor the effectiveness of the policies into practice; and 6. Have an agreed incident management flow chart and incident record in all staff handbooks. East Sussex Schools ICT Strategy

18 E-Safety To support schools, the LA will 1. Offer advice and guidance on policy development; 2. Offer on-site consultancy services to schools; 3. Offer advice on policies prior to adoption; 4. Offer an e-safety audit for all schools via a service level agreement or PAYU; 5. Offer CEOP Ambassador training to schools; 6. Provide a growing resource of self-help materials for three specific audiences,-parents, children and young people, and professionals; 7. Engage with the Youth Cabinet and ensure they have an active voice in the LSCB e-safety group; 8. Explore and engage with new technologies to promote the e-safety message as widely as possible; East Sussex Schools ICT Strategy

19 E-Safety Element 2 Planning for e-safety. Level 3 Level 2 Level 1 Planning provides opportunities for pupils to develop an awareness of some aspects of e-safety and some of the skills needed to make safe and responsible use of ICT. Effective planning ensures that pupils have the opportunities to develop both an awareness of e-safety issues and the skills that enable them to make safe and responsible use of ICT. Systematic planning ensures that all pupils have opportunities to develop both an understanding of e- safety issues and a range of e-safety strategies, skills and behaviours. Plans are regularly reviewed and updated in the light of changing technology and practice. The following actions would help a school progress towards Level 1: 1. Ensure that e-safety incidents are logged and reviewed by the school s e- safety officer. 2. Provide feedback to the LSCB e-safety group on e-safety incidents in school annually by completing an end of year survey. 3. Have a scheduled e-safety update every year. To support schools, the LA will 1. Offer /telephone advice and guidance to schools on any aspect of e- safety incidents that the school deem to be serious. 2. Manage an annual e-safety survey across all schools and report the findings; 3. Offer to deliver e-safety days in schools. East Sussex Schools ICT Strategy

20 E-Safety Element 3 Understanding the risks Level 3 Level 2 Level 1 Most pupils are aware of the issues and risks involved in the use of ICT and are aware of school policy and the need to adopt appropriate and responsible behaviours. However, not all pupils have sufficient knowledge and skills to enable them to make safe and effective use of digital resources. All, or nearly all, pupils understand the issues and risks involved in the use of ICT. They are aware of school policy and the need to adopt appropriate and responsible behaviours. Most pupils have a good range of knowledge and skills to enable them to make safe and effective use of resources both within and beyond the school. All, or nearly all, pupils consistently adopt safe practices both within and beyond the school. They have a full range of knowledge and skills to ensure safe and effective use of a wide range of digital resources. They apply and adapt these to new and emerging technologies. The following actions would help a school progress towards Level 1 1. Facilitate an annual e-safety day available to all stakeholders; 2. Survey parents and carers annually;and 3. Provide opportunities for stakeholders to have input into policy development. To support schools the LA will 1. Offer support to schools in engaging with stakeholders; 2. Offer a range of e-safety services and products to schools; and 3. Develop regular communications with schools to highlight current trends and associated risks. East Sussex Schools ICT Strategy

21 E-Safety Element 4 Monitoring and reporting. Level 3 Level 2 Level 1 Technical solutions provide some safeguarding for users of the school s ICT systems. These sometimes limit opportunities for learning and teaching. The school is taking steps to ensure that data is secure both on and off site. Regularly updated technical solutions ensure a safe environment for all users whilst maximising learning and teaching opportunities. There is a high level of data security on all systems with timely and effective disaster recovery. Technical solutions ensure that there is safeguarding of the school s ICT systems, without limiting opportunities for learning and teaching. Data is stored securely on and off site and regular reviews ensure that these systems remain effective. The following actions would help a school progress towards Level 1 1. Provide information to the LSCB e-safety group regarding any incident that may occur; 2. Ensure that the school is informed of the latest developments and can show that these have been considered in relation to the school development plan; 3. Audit the reality of data in transit across the school. Schools should understand how staff move data around, by what method and with what safeguards. 4. Participate in ongoing training and awareness raising; and 5. Inform the LSCB e-safety board when they are dealing with an e-safety incident. To support schools, the LA will 1. Collect, collate and produce generic reports on e-safety incidents annually; 2. Ensure there is always advice and guidance on data security available; 3. Promote a means of transporting data securely; 4. Provide timely advice and guidance where trends are identified; and 5. Ensure that the latest advice and guidance from CEOP is available and that there is always a CEOP trained ambassador available. East Sussex Schools ICT Strategy

22 Section 3 Anytime Anywhere Learning It is not the strongest species that survive, nor the most intelligent, but the ones most responsive to change." Charles Darwin The Standards and Learning Effectiveness Service can provide guidance and support on this section. Contact sles@eastsussex.gov.uk Further details of support are also available in the school management section on czone.eastsussex.gov.uk, on the ICT pages or in the Traded Services catalogue. East Sussex Schools ICT Strategy

23 Anytime Anywhere Learning Introduction to Anytime Anywhere Learning The aim of the Anytime Anywhere Learning strand is to support innovation in teaching and learning to enable and extend learning beyond the classroom. To realise this goal, teachers require time and incentives to share resources and experiences, and acquire new ICT skills. Teachers can develop their understanding through a high quality mix of online and face-to-face training and collaborative support packages which will result in a more ICT literate workforce. Where ICT is used effectively, lessons are better taught and learners achieve better results. East Sussex Schools ICT Strategy

24 Anytime Anywhere Learning Element 1 Promote effective and engaging cross curricular use of ICT, leading to raised achievement for all learners. Level 3 Level 2 Level 1 Many staff use ICT to engage and motivate pupils in their learning through active and interactive learning experiences. They use a range of approaches and resources leading to identifiable gains in learning. Most staff use ICT to enhance teaching and learning experiences with approaches not readily accessible through more traditional methods. This leads to significant gains in learning. All, or nearly all, staff harness the full potential of ICT to enhance and extend learning and teaching. They provide opportunities for creative and independent learning that extends pupils capacity to learn within and beyond the school. The following actions would help a school progress towards Level 1 1. Understand what effective cross curricular use of ICT looks like; 2. Identify good practice in effective and engaging use of ICT across the curriculum; 3. Participate in a number of ICT curricular initiatives and evaluate their impact; and 4. Share good practice within and beyond the school. To support schools, the LA will 1. Offer a number of ICT projects in which schools can engage; 2. Create and share case studies promoting good practice; 3. Showcase good practice through a range of media.; 4. Recommend proven high quality resources which support effective teaching and learning; 5. Support schools to use appropriate technology to increase parental engagement and partnerships with employers; and 6. Offer a CPD programme to support the effective use of technology. East Sussex Schools ICT Strategy

25 Anytime Anywhere Learning Element 2 Enable schools to evaluate and benchmark the impact of their ICT provision and strategically plan for improvement. Level 3 Level 2 Level 1 There is regular monitoring of the implementation and effectiveness of the strategy and some links are made between ICT expenditure and outcomes. A range of evidence, from within and beyond the school, is beginning to inform strategic planning and practice. There is regular and detailed monitoring and evaluation of the effectiveness of the strategy, including the impact of ICT expenditure. This is based on a wide range of evidence from within and beyond the school and has a strong influence on strategic planning and practice. There is systematic and routine evaluation of the impact of ICT within and beyond the school, based on extensive evidence. All ICT expenditure is subject to rigorous evaluation in terms of its impact on pupils achievements. Evaluation informs strategic planning and practice, supports innovation and is used to demonstrate accountability to a wide range of stakeholders. The following actions would help a school progress towards Level 1 1. Gather information about the impact of technology on standards by reviewing and refining: a. attainment and achievement data; b. use of ICT in lesson observations; c. staff and student surveys; d. content available to students on the learning platform and the associated user statistics; e. use of resource mapping to show impact of ICT procurement on outcomes; and f. ICT resources available in and out of school and to what extent they are used. 2. Cascade good practice to others. East Sussex Schools ICT Strategy

26 Anytime Anywhere Learning To support schools, the LA will: 1. Offer data on the software installed and most used in Premier Service schools; 2. Share User Statistics from learning platforms so schools can benchmark their usage; 3. Share data on local good practice in use of ICT resources; 4. Share any available national information linked to impact of technology; 5. Offer guidance on planning for improvement; 6. Promote support to schools to externally evaluate ICT provision and plan for future developments; 7. Identify leading schools; and 8. Support schools to develop their vision for ICT. East Sussex Schools ICT Strategy

27 Anytime Anywhere Learning Element 3 Promote use of online learning environments to engage families and children including those not in mainstream education. Level 3 Level 2 Level 1 The policy for inclusion fully recognises the role of ICT in enabling and supporting the learning needs of different groups of pupils. Staff are aware of its potential, but do not always achieve this in practice. Most staff plan appropriately for ICT to support the full range of pupils in enabling or widening their access to learning. The specific learning needs of many pupils are met, at least in part, through the use of ICT. All, or nearly all, staff take a proactive role in identifying how ICT can be used to enable and broaden access to learning within and beyond the school for a wide range of learning needs. The following actions would help a school progress towards Level 1 1. Identify who is not in mainstream education and find out the best means to engage them in learning, through the most suitable location for online support, e.g. home, library, museum, café, supermarket; 2. Provide a range of suitable educational experiences for those not in mainstream education but living in their catchment area and for a range of vulnerable groups; 3. Select suitable resources to meet staff and pupils' needs wherever and whenever learning takes place; 4. Use technology to ensure continuity in educational provision; 5. Ensure the school has access to a well planned range of appropriate good quality digital learning resources, which include collaboration tools; and 6. Use of these resources imaginatively will significantly change the learning culture within and beyond the school. East Sussex Schools ICT Strategy

28 Anytime Anywhere Learning To support schools, the LA will 1. Offer advice on the most suitable location to support online learning; 2. Offer content for families and children not in mainstream education; 3. Train staff who support children not in mainstream education; and 4. Offer advice and guidance for schools on using technology for personalisation. 5. A range of vulnerable groups is addressed in the guidance. East Sussex Schools ICT Strategy

29 Anytime Anywhere Learning Element 4 Support teachers to transform teaching and learning practice through effective use of new and existing technologies. Level 3 Level 2 Level 1 Many staff engage in the development of new practices with ICT. Outcomes are incorporated, where appropriate, into the curriculum. There is sharing of effective practice across the school. Most staff engage in the development of new practices with ICT. Outcomes are shared and reviewed widely and are frequently incorporated into the curriculum. The sharing of effective practice routinely occurs across the school and with other schools. Action research is embedded within a strong culture of planned and evaluated innovation. This encourages all or nearly all staff to take calculated risks in pushing the boundaries of the use of ICT to make significant improvements to learning, teaching and organisational effectiveness and efficiency. The school is successful in sharing practice within and beyond the school. The following actions would help a school progress towards Level 1 1. Provide access to a well planned range of appropriate good quality digital learning resources; 2. Use communication and collaboration tools to support learning activities; 3. Promote the use of ICT to increase effective pupil voice; 4. Collect and assess the ICT needs of school staff regularly, systematically and accurately. 5. Use technology effectively to enable communication between partners, practitioners and learners; 6. Work in partnership with other schools; 7. Foster a sense of experimentation and innovation amongst staff; 8. Enable staff to carry out regular action research and training; and 9. Provide an ICT Strategy framework for supporting innovative practice. East Sussex Schools ICT Strategy

30 Anytime Anywhere Learning To support schools, the LA will 1. Offer a range of training which includes face to face, online and a blended learning approach, which is progressive, accredited and supports learning and teaching with technology; 2. Offer in class support when requested; 3. Offer ready made resources for teachers to use; 4. Offer a range of online opportunities for students; 5. Trial new and innovative approaches to delivering cost effective services; 6. Share effective practice in how involvement in local, national and world communities can raise aspirations and lead to greater understanding between different groups; and 7. Carry out systematic and regular analysis of a wide range of evidence from school visits and other sources which is then used to evaluate the impact of the local authority technology strategy. East Sussex Schools ICT Strategy

31 Section 4 The Electronic Environment "It would appear that we have reached the limits of what it is possible to achieve with computer technology, although one should be careful with such statements, as they tend to sound pretty silly in 5 years" John Von Neumann (Mathematician and Computer Scientist), 1949 Schools ICT Services can provide guidance and support on this section. Contact (option 2). ssd@eastsussex.gov.uk Further details of support are also available in the school management section on czone.eastsussex.gov.uk, on the ICT pages or in the Traded Services catalogue. East Sussex Schools ICT Strategy

32 The Electronic Environment Introduction to the Electronic Environment The aim of the Electronic Environment is to provide an integrated set of widely available technology, designed to support and extend the reach of teaching beyond normal geographical and time constraints. Teachers and learners have traditionally come together physically in a given place, in order to exchange ideas and information. A progressive Electronic Environment provides the means to break down these barriers providing the platform for flexibility, inspiration and engagement. East Sussex Schools ICT Strategy

33 The Electronic Environment Element 1 Physical environments should reflect the school s vision for ICT resulting in more imaginative and varied learning, teaching and working practices. Level 3 Level 2 Level 1 Some spaces have been designed, adapted or reorganised in a coordinated way to provide flexible environments that reflect the school s vision for ICT. Most spaces have been designed, adapted or reorganised to reflect the school s vision for ICT. They support a range of flexible learning and teaching styles and working practices. Whole-school approaches to the innovative design, adaptation or reorganisation of spaces fully reflect the school s vision for ICT. This results in more imaginative and varied learning, teaching and working practices. The following actions would help a school progress towards Level 1 1. Provide adequate ICT furniture throughout the school; 2. Provide adequate network sockets and power throughout the school; and 3. Provide a capable and secure wireless network To support schools, the LA will 1. Offer advice and consultancy to schools in order to design and create appropriate physical environments geared towards providing optimum learning environments East Sussex Schools ICT Strategy

34 The Electronic Environment Element 2 All schools should provide sufficient suitable and reliable ICT resources that have been tailored to meet the schools vision for ICT. Level 3 Level 2 Level 1 ICT resources are sufficient in quality, quantity, range, suitability and availability to make a contribution to the current practice in learning, teaching and school management. The school is taking steps to provide access to appropriate ICT resources for those without access beyond the school. ICT resources are sufficient in quality, quantity, range, suitability and are readily available to support learning within and beyond the school. These make a significant impact on learning, teaching and school management. The school ensures that there is ICT provision for those without access beyond the school. There is a wide range of suitable, high-quality ICT resources which are sufficient to meet staff and pupils needs wherever and whenever learning takes place. These are used imaginatively and have a significant impact on the culture and ethos of the school. The following actions would help a school progress towards Level 1 1. Learners should have access to a wide range of suitable, high quality ICT resources wherever and whenever required; 2. The range of resources will be appropriate for supporting teaching and learning across all curriculum areas; and 3. Suitable resources will be selected to meet staff and pupils' needs wherever and whenever learning takes place. To support schools, the LA will 1. Offer advice on a wide range of resources suitable for use within school environments. Resources will be widely tested for both technical and curriculum suitability including a. Network infrastructure devices (wired and wireless); b. Computers ( Servers, Desktops, Laptops, Netbooks, etc); c. Peripheral Devices (including Cameras, Scanners, Control Devices);and East Sussex Schools ICT Strategy

35 The Electronic Environment d. Output devices (including Printers, Projectors, Interactive White Boards) 2. Make use of aggregated purchasing power when possible to offer best value options for resource procurement to schools. 3. Offer consultancy services to making the best use of resources for supporting innovative approaches to teaching and learning. East Sussex Schools ICT Strategy

36 The Electronic Environment Element 3 All schools should have a digital network infrastructure offering quality internal and external connectivity which allows for appropriate access to curriculum and management resources. Access might be provided from various locations enabling innovative practice to develop thus supporting the learning and management culture of the school. Level 3 Level 2 Level 1 Internal and online connectivity provides appropriate access to curriculum and management resources from many locations within the school. Planning ensures that the infrastructure can meet the demand. There is some impact on learning, teaching and staff working practices There is secure, reliable and fast internal and online connectivity. This provides appropriate access to curriculum and management resources from many locations within the school. Planning recognises the need to update infrastructure to meet future demands. There is clear impact on learning, teaching and staff working practices High-quality connectivity provides appropriate access to curriculum and management resources throughout the school and beyond. Regular review and updating ensure that new and growing demands are met. This enables innovative practice to develop which has a significant impact on the learning and management culture of the school. The following actions would help a school progress towards Level 1 1. Schools should ensure that all hard wired devices are connected using a minimum of 100Mb switched network connections with 1Gb connections where possible; 2. Wireless network connections should be at a minimum speed of 54Mb (Wireless 'N' connectivity recommended) secured with a minimum of WPA (WPA2 recommended) security. Wireless networks should be appropriately specified to provide adequate coverage for the number of devices and locations required within the premises; 3. Wide Area connections should provide fast, secure and reliable access to external resources both within the LA network and further afield. Provision should be made for filtering and access control to protect school networks from attack and pupils from accessing inappropriate material; East Sussex Schools ICT Strategy

37 The Electronic Environment 4. School networking infrastructure should be reviewed regularly and appropriate resources assigned to ensure that it is not a bottleneck preventing innovative teaching and learning; and 5. Schools should consider providing appropriate and secure remote access to curriculum and management resources from beyond the school. To support schools, the LA will 1. Offer recommendations and consultancy services for suitable wired and wireless networking equipment for use within school networks; 2. Offer a wide area network solution to schools to provide secure access within the LA network and also to provide suitable secure and flexible external (internet) connectivity with appropriate firewall security and access controls; and 3. Offer consultancy for secure remote access solutions to school East Sussex Schools ICT Strategy

38 The Electronic Environment Element 4 Schools should understand and implement plans on Total Cost of Ownership and Sustainability when procuring ICT resources. Level 3 Level 2 Level 1 ICT resources are procured efficiently with regard to the total cost of ownership and value for money. Some account is taken of environmental impact. The school has begun to address the issue of safe disposal of equipment. The procurement of ICT resources and services follows best practice guidelines and takes full account of the total cost of ownership and value for money. Consideration is given to environmental impact. There are some processes in place for the safe disposal of equipment. Procurement is part of a systematic whole-school approach to providing ICT resources and services which are sustainable in the longer term. Regular review of processes ensures good value for money, minimal environmental impact and the safe disposal of equipment. The following actions would help a school progress towards Level 1 1. The procurement of ICT resources should take into account total cost of ownership (including the cost of ongoing support and replacement) and not just initial purchase price; 2. The school should account for the environmental impact of their ICT resources; and 3. Schools should have procedures in place for the safe disposal of retired equipment. To support schools, the LA will 1. Offer recommendations on how to calculate the total cost of ownership of equipment and make suggestions on ICT resources that provide value over their whole lifecycle; 2. Offer advice on the cost of running ICT equipment and on how savings can be made through lowering the environmental impact; 3. Offer a safe and secure service for the disposal of ICT equipment that complies to all relevant legislation including the WEEE directive; and 4. Offer procurement options for Schools utilizing the combined purchasing power available to the authority, to offer best value. East Sussex Schools ICT Strategy

39 The Electronic Environment Element 5 Schools should ensure that they have adequate provision of ICT Technical Support and associated proactive monitoring and measurement of systems in order to minimise disruption to teaching and learning. Level 3 Level 2 Level 1 Technical support systems are adequate. There is some proactive management of maintenance. Reported faults are responded to in a timely fashion. Technical support systems are provided and managed effectively. They are both proactive and reactive. The school minimises disruption to learning and teaching caused by technical problems. Technical support staff are empowered to explore and implement innovative solutions. They contribute to the formulation and development of the school s ICT strategy. Systems are in place to manage and monitor the performance of technical support. The following actions would help a school progress towards Level 1 1. Ensure that sufficient technical support and support systems are provided for the management of all ICT resources, minimising any disruption to teaching and learning as a result of technical problems; 2. Systems should be in place for proactive management and preventative maintenance; and 3. Schools should be regularly monitoring and evaluating the use of ICT resources and planning for the development of ICT strategy and future procurement. To support schools, the LA will 1. Offer a dedicated Schools ICT support team working to ITIL best practice guidelines providing a range of support services for ICT within schools; 2. Offer a fully managed ICT support service that includes a full set of proactive tools for the preventative maintenance of ICT systems designed to minimise disruption to learning caused by faulty ICT resources; 3. Offer a comprehensive Healthcheck service to schools to evaluate existing resources and support arrangements, and make recommendations for further improvements; and East Sussex Schools ICT Strategy

40 The Electronic Environment 4. Offer, as a part of the managed ICT service, a full audit and evaluation process suggesting 5 year plans for the improvement of ICT within schools. East Sussex Schools ICT Strategy

41 ICT Strategy Action Plan Action Owner Completion Date Monitored By Success Criteria Cost East Sussex Schools ICT Strategy