National Centre for Technology in Education (NCTE) Business Plan 2006 ICT in Schools is an initiative of the Department of Education and Science 1
Contents Introduction... 3 Supporting Technology Integration in School... 5 Furthering teacher professional development in the use of ICT........... 9 Strengthening the Internet and Digital Content for Learning and Teaching.... 11 Supporting innovative practice and research on ICT in learning and teaching...14 Collaboration with the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment...... 15 Directing the work of the regional ICT advisory service for schools..........15 Organisational management and development........................16 Working with other partners.................................... 17 2
INTRODUCTION The National Centre for Technology in Education (NCTE) was established under the auspices of the Department of Education and Science in 1998 to provide advice, support and information on the use of information and communications technology (ICT) in education. The role of the NCTE is to implement the ICT priorities and policy objectives of the Department of Education & Science. The overall operational objective of the NCTE is to support and advise schools on the use of ICT in learning and teaching. Funding is derived from the Department of Education & Science. Additional funding for specific project initiatives is sourced from the European Commission. In order to deliver our mission, we operate a number of discrete initiatives within the organisation. These initiatives and the ICT Advisory Service are central to us reaching our audience and realising our goals. Scoilnet Digital Content Teaching Skills Initiative Technology Integration Initiative Special Educational Needs & ICT Initiative The portal for Irish education, www.scoilnet.ie provides access to thousands of teacherreviewed online resources. The Scoilnet initiative develops and manages Scoilnet and other associated websites. Digital Content focuses on developing and promoting high quality digital resources appropriate to the Irish school curriculum. The development and provision of targeted professional development programmes for teachers in the use of ICT in teaching and learning is the core activity of the Teaching Skills initiative. Courses are delivered primarily through the Education Centre network. The Technology Integration initiative provides a range of planning and technical supports to schools as they develop their ICT infrastructures. This initiative works within each of the other initiatives to develop resources and supports 3
relating to special needs education. It also manages projects on the use of ICT in special needs education. ICT Advisory Service Central to the implementation of national ICT policy at a local level, ICT Advisors are based in 20 education centres around the country. They advise and support teachers and schools on a broad range of ICT issues. This work plan identifies priority activities for the NCTE in 2006. Two significant developments will be finalised in 2006 - the installation of a broadband network for all schools and the outcomes of census 2005. These will strongly inform the priority areas of activity for the NCTE throughout 2006 and beyond. The promotion and support of ICT and Special Educational Needs in schools will be addressed within the key activities to reflect the inclusive environment in schools. This year our work is set out within seven strands, covering: - Supporting technology integration in schools - Furthering teacher professional development in the use of ICT - Strengthening the Internet and Digital Content for Learning and Teaching - Supporting innovative practice and research on ICT in learning and teaching - Collaboration with the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment - Directing the work of the regional ICT advisory service for schools - Organisational management and development The workplan details programmes and projects, some of which are new and some which build on previous work. Our experience is that a significant proportion of additional work arises during the year and we need to maintain flexibility to respond to these opportunities and requests for assistance, within our capacity to ensure high standards. 4
Supporting Technology Integration in School The focus of the Technology Integration Initiative (TII) in 2006 is to promote and support the integration of best practice in schools ICT infrastructure and, as a result, the effective use of ICT throughout the school. To achieve its goals, TII s activities focus predominantly on the Schools Broadband Programme in coordinating and implementing the rollout of broadband to schools. TII will also work with schools and the Department of Education and Science to support other related infrastructure programmes including the school networking programme. Throughout the year, the NCTE will continue to provide information and advice on ICT integration to schools, both directly to schools and via the ICT Advisory Service. The Schools Broadband Programme The goal of the Schools Broadband programme is to provide all schools with managed broadband access and additional related services. Each school is connected to the network via a broadband connection and router, installed and located in the school by broadband service providers under contract to the Department of Education and Science. The connection from service providers to the Internet and centrally managed services are being provided by HEAnet. The particular technology and speed of connection used to connect a specific school depended on a number of factors including the broadband technology options available locally, and the school size. Each school is allocated to a service provider and appropriate technology based on the outcomes of the awarded tender. Throughout 2006, the NCTE will work closely with the Department of Education and Science, and the Department of Communications, HEAnet, TIF and Datanet consultants to ensure that schools are connected to the Schools Network and once connected are supported. NCTE is represented on all of the broadband working groups and on the overall steering group. These working groups focus on: Broadband Connectivity and Rollout to all approx 4,000 schools The NCTE Service Desk 5
Email Service Security Services such as Content Filtering, Anti-virus and anti-spam control Within the Programme, the NCTE has overall responsibility for communications and coordination between schools and the Schools Broadband Programme and for supporting and advising schools during all stages of the project implementation. Providing Broadband to schools: the Schools Broadband Programme In 2006, the broadband programme builds on the planning and preparatory work already undertaken. The planning and final contract discussions with service providers was completed in 2005, and subsequently work started on building the schools network, the NCTE Service Desk and connecting schools to the broadband network. The balance of schools will be completed in 2006. The process of connecting schools Following the broadband tender award process six service providers were successful and were each awarded a list of schools to connect to the broadband network. The successful service providers were BT, Digiweb, HSData, Irish Broadband, Last Mile Wireless, and Smart Telecom. In addition eircom was awarded the contract to install and test broadband router equipment in schools. The technologies selected to connect schools were Digital Subscriber Loop (DSL), and Unbundled Local Loop (ULL) both of which use the existing telephone lines to connect schools, as well as Wireless and Satellite connections. A small number of schools are to be awarded to be connected via Leased Line. Communications with schools Once the award process was completed, NCTE informed schools of the broadband details planned to be installed in each school. This included details of the service provider who would carry out the work, the technology to be used and the speed of the connection. Advice and guideline was provided to schools in terms of the next steps that would take place, as well as the steps that schools themselves needed to take to be prepared for the installation process. These steps included the availability of suitable power outlets and consideration of a suitable location for the equipment. Throughout 2006 the NCTE will inform schools of program status and updates via a 6
series of communications including letters the NCTE Service Desk, NCTE website etc. Information and feedback forms will be provided as appropriate to schools to provide opportunities to provide input to the NCTE. NCTE Service Desk The NCTE managed Service Desk is the primary means of communications and coordination between schools and the broadband program. The purpose of the Service Desk is to provide information, advice, guidance and technical support to schools in relation to all aspects of the schools broadband programme. Schools are encouraged to call the Service Desk via a 1800 free number as well as communicate by email and via the broadband section of the NCTE website. The Service Desk is managed by the NCTE Broadband Support Manager. The main roles of the Service Desk are: To provide a single point of contact between schools and the broadband programme for information, advice, guidance and technical support. To co-ordinate operational activities between service providers and the NCTE. To co-ordinate and test all broadband connections and broadband router equipment as they were installed by Service providers. To provide a fault management, escalation and resolution process for all issues raised by schools and other parties to the Service Desk. The Benefits to Schools The implementation of the Schools Broadband Programme represents a step-change in the development of ICT infrastructure in schools. High-speed Internet access will enable multi-user access to the Internet at any one time, facilitating access to rich multimedia content including images, music, video clips and so on. With broadband, the time to download such material is much shorter than with lower speed connections to the Internet. Permanent always-on Internet access throughout the school day and at evenings and weekends means that schools can spend as much time as they need online without tying up phone lines or worrying about the cost. 7
Centrally managed services: the first services to be available to schools will be secure email with integrated anti-virus and spam control, content filtering and firewall protection. Other services will be planned and supported in response to schools needs. Reduced risk of inappropriate content: The content filtering solution which is to be deployed centrally in the Schools Broadband Network will constantly monitor online content and seek to eliminate all known inappropriate online content. Enhanced email and improved communications: schools will be provided with secure email accounts for the school and for teachers. This should facilitate an improvement in inter-school communication and e-twinning of schools. ICT Infrastructure Census In 2005 the NCTE conducted a national census of ICT which focused on the availability and use of ICT infrastructure in schools. During 2006, the analysis of this census data will be completed and a report published. Local computer networks In 2005, NCTE provided networking guidelines to assist in the networking of schools. In 2006 NCTE continued to provide information and advice on local computer networking, both directly to schools and via the ICT Advisory Service. Satellite Project Support In 2006, the NCTE will continue to support the provision of broadband to a small number of schools in the Mayo/Galway area via satellite links. As these schools receive broadband from the Schools broadband programme their older satellite links will be deactivated. 8
Furthering Teacher Professional Development in the Use of ICT The NCTE has developed a range of ICT- based courses, workshops and support group models which are offered to teachers throughout the country. Based on local school needs each Education Centre will plan and organise courses throughout 2006. It is expected that approximately 10,000 teachers will attend courses and support groups in 2006. Priority areas of activity include: Local delivery of ICT professional development through Education Centres Provide Education Centres and ICT Advisors with in-service priorities for 2006 Evaluate and approve 21 programmes of ICT professional development submitted by Education Centres Monitor, check and approve all financial claims from course providers Monitor Monthly Returns Promote ICT in-service opportunities in conjunction with the Education Centres Provide posters for local promotion of ICT courses as required Manage the Course Schedule on NCTE website Promote ICT courses through NCTE Newsletter and articles in relevant educational magazines/publications Closely monitor local course provision Roll-out online evaluation system to all course providers Monitor online course evaluations Develop and provide of online training to teachers and to ICT advisors Develop online course Repurpose existing Internet & email for learning course for online delivery Deliver course through virtual learning environment Up-skill facilitators to monitor and facilitate online course 9
Provide off the shelf technical course on networking to 100 participants (ICT Advisors, tutors and teachers) on a pilot basis In conjunction with DCU, deliver short online course on Usability of a multimedia authoring tool Develop new course and review and revise courses where required Deliver new course on Project Based Learning In conjunction with INTO, revise and mainstream Using ICT as a Teaching and Learning Resource course (formerly Practical Projects with ICT in the Classroom ) Revise Internet and email for learning course to coincide with its online delivery Review ICT & History course Review ICT & Geography course Provide tutor training where required Including On-line mentors for online Internet & email for Learning course, ICT & Geography, ICT & History (if required), Project Based Learning, Empowering Minds and Using ICT as a Teaching and Learning Resource. Work more closely with teacher training colleges and universities on ensuring that ICT is integrated in pre-service training 10
The Internet and Digital Content for Learning and Teaching In 2006, the NCTE will provide advice and support and promote the use, application and development of digital content through the on-going development of Scoilnet as a portal, project partnerships and through the evaluation and development of digital materials and resources (including software). The NCTE will engage and collaborate with key educational partners on a specific number of key digital content projects to drive the integration of ICT in learning and teaching. Scoilnet Initiative The provision of broadband Internet to every school in 2006 presents the opportunity to deliver online digital content to all schools. Scoilnet has grown in volume of content and use by teachers and students in 2005. While vast amounts of relevant content are available online and offline, there are time and expertise constraints for teachers in sourcing relevant content for use in the classroom. During 2006, the NCTE will focus on increasing access to online resources and creating a safer internet environment in schools. Priority areas of activities include: Develop a strategy for the provision of digital content through the broadband network. o implement an RFT and direct a procurement process to acquire access to online reference materials o participate in MELT an EC funded project on meta-tagging o work with the NCCA and with other key partners to develop an agreed approach to meta-tagging and content identification Maintenance and development of Scoilnet the portal for Irish education 11
o build team capacity in Subject Matter Experts model, manage the SMEs to identify and review online content for upload to Scoilnet o update and maintain the currency of the content on the site o Integrate email and services into website Manage and develop the Internet Safety Awareness Node Webwise.ie o Part of the EU Safer Internet programme focus on providing teaching materials and content focused on pupils, teachers and parent. o Development of a new website - www.webwise.ie. o Negotiate contract and budget for Safer Internet Plus programme (October 2006 September 2008). Engage and collaborate with key educational partners on digital content provision projects to drive the integration of ICT in learning and teaching across all levels and subject e.g., French.ie and LDS VLE Support e-twinning and other EU internet projects such as Spring Day Digital Content & Software Priority areas of activities include: 1. Develop Software Central to provide relevant advice to teachers on how to use software effectively in teaching and learning recruit, train and manage a team of evaluators to review selected software and content for publication on Software Central develop software central as a location where teachers will find advice on the practical use of software and software projects within particular curriculum areas 2. Continue to negotiate software licensing deals and structures for schools 3. Explore models for the development of curricular relevant content 12
4. Work with industry and other relevant agencies in the development of digital content 5. Engage in school based projects which explore the use and development of digital content 6. Explore the use of ICT models in the context of Literacy in a school based project Literacy and ICT 7. Continue the development of FIS and its roll- out to a further 25 schools 8. Assist in the development of professional development activities which explore the use of content in a engaging and creative manner 9. Representation on working groups in NCCA and other steering committees 13
Supporting Innovative Practice and Research on ICT in learning and teaching Supporting innovative practice and assisting action research projects in the effective use of ICT in learning and teaching will help to identify good practice in the use of ICT in schools. The NCTE will support a number of research projects in both technical and pedagogical areas in 2006 and bring successful practice to the attention of teachers through the ICT advisory service. The projects to be supported in 2006 include the final stages of existing projects and the initiation of a limited number of new initiatives. Projects include: - The Laptops Initiative (final stages) - Digital PE project (final stages) - Digital Video in CSPE (ongoing) - Soundbeam project (final stages) - Kidsmart early learning programme and DLN (newly enhanced project) - Liberties Learning Initiative (ongoing) - Hermes and digital software project (ongoing) - Planet Aqua (ongoing) - Empowering Minds (ongoing) Three new school-based initiatives will require significant NCTE supports in 2006. They are: FÍS Film in Schools project ICT and Literacy project Digital School Award initiative 14
Collaboration with the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NCCA) The NCTE will continue its work and collaboration with the NCCA on ICT projects and initiatives. Joint activities and ongoing collaborative work will be agreed in January under the context for co-operation agreement which is in place. Directing the Regional ICT Advisory service to Schools The NCTE will work with the Education Centres, ATECI and the ICT advisors in delivering an ICT advice and support service to local schools. The submission of ICT plans by the Education Centres and their and approval by the NCTE will enable the local provision of a significant range of ICT-based professional development courses for teachers and other school-based ICT support and advice. ICT advisors will visit local schools to assist in the process of integrating ICT in learning and teaching and to gather information on how this process can best be facilitated. The service will provide this feedback to the NCTE. Key activities for 2006 for NCTE in relation to the local ICT Advisory service are: Provision of work planning guidelines and priority areas of activity for ICT advisors for 2006 to the management committees of each Education Centre Approval of ICT work plans for each of 21 Education Centres Monitoring the delivery of the local ICT professional development programme for 2006 Holding regular meetings with the ICT advisors and provision of information and advice when required throughout the year Working with ATECI on the review of the Memorandum of Understanding 15
Organisational Management and Development Key actions in terms of organisational development and management include: Management of the NCTE Financial Resources publication of the NCTE Business Plan 2006 and the NCTE annual report 2005 promotion of NCTE among the wider educational community to heighten awareness of NCTE activities, through actions such as: o Publication and distribution of NCTE monthly newsletters o Maintenance of the NCTE website www.ncte.ie as a key source of information and advice for all NCTE target groups and partners o Production of NCTE promotional materials Centre policy formulation and adoption will be completed in a number of priority areas including: o Comply with directives and prepare returns on Ethics, Equality, Sustaining Progress, Freedom of Information and other regulations. o Publication of an NCTE Customer Service Charter and Action Plan o Publication and adoption of an NCTE Network and Internet Usage Policy o Revision of NCTE Staff Handbook to include revised policies and procedures Meeting commitment made under the Sustaining Progress agreement Maintenance of a positive industrial relations environment and co-operation with industrial relations bodies. Expenditure Review of the ICT Support Service for Schools It is planned that an expenditure review of the ICT Support Service for Schools, including the work of the NCTE, will be conducted in 2006. The review will: - evaluate the degree to which the objectives of the Service warrant the allocation of public funding on a current and ongoing basis, - examine the scope for alternative policy or organisational approaches to achieving these objectives on a more efficient and effective basis and - specify potential future performance indicators that might be used to better monitor the performance of the Service. 16
The NCTE will provide full assistance and support to the work of the expenditure review group and the Value for Money Review in 2006. This is expected to take up a significant amount of time and personnel resources throughout 2006 and the delivery of the rest of the workplan is very much dependent on the extent of the review. Working with Other Partners In order to deliver all strands of the 2006 workplan, the NCTE will collaborate with a number of education partners on specific initiatives and projects. These include: Leadership Development for Schools (LDS) Second Level Support Service (SLSS) The Inspectorate Primary Curriculum Support Programme (PCSP) History and Geography in-service National Library Council Teachnet National Parents Associations Nationals Association of Principals and Deputy Principals (NAPD) Irish Primary Principals Network (IPPN) IVEA Joint Managerial Body for Secondary Schools (JMB) Association of Community and Comprehensive schools (ACCS) 17