Welcome to SWGfL Merlin
The national context (or just the next bandwagon?) Promoting a technology-related learner entitlement, and working to close the gap for disadvantaged learners to enable all learners to access and use technology effectively, safely and purposefully in support of their learning. Putting in place universal access to powerful learning tools, content and support for family and informal learning. Helping to secure better teaching by fully exploiting the benefits of technology to provide professional tools and support for teaching. Developing a fit-for-purpose system-wide national digital infrastructure that supports personal ownership and environmental sustainability. Harnessing Technology, Next Generation Learning Becta 2008
The national context (or just the next bandwagon?) Using technology to achieve better outcomes for learners Making learning personal Inspiring parental engagement Achieving best value Planning for sustainability Safeguarding learners online
SWGfL Merlin Definition of Learning Platform The term Learning Platform refers to a combination of IT services that support teaching and learning. Through a learning platform, hardware, software and supporting services are brought together to enable more effective ways of working within and outside the classroom. Learning Platforms Making IT Personal, DfES
The simple view! VLE MIS (SIMS) Other Tools Content
Becta LP Services Framework Azzuri Communications Ltd Etech Group Fronter Netmedia Education Pearson Education Ltd Ramesys RM Education plc Serco Ltd UniServity Viglen Ltd
SWGfl Merlin Learners Teachers Parents Communication Calendar Surveys Blogs Embedded video Virtual Learning Environment Content Searching Sharing Planning Teaching Testing Assigning Assessing Tracking Single sign on Personal Online Workspace E-portfolio/document store Targeted news Calendar Links/Contacts Collaboration Discussion boards Targeted news Shared calendars Publish information Our Places Wikis Content MIS Data User data updated in MIS automatically updated throughout Merlin Local Authority Clusters / Schools Individuals
Merlin Roles Learners Staff Others
Reporting systems MIS CV builder E-ILP Transfer of accounts between schools Communication and collaboration between all schools in the SW Filtering and e-safety Simplified sign-on Integration of MIS Whole school pupil tracking systems Merlin Integration of a range VLE Blogs Chat Targeted News Questionnaires Interest groups E-portfolio Personal online space Wikis Calendar Surveys Upload a range of file types Search Bulletin board Website creation Range of themes and interfaces Discussions Parental password access Collaborative projects Target specific users Storage of resources Sharing resources Learning Platform VLE Resources linked to timetables Assessment tools Timetables linked to VLE Structured course builder Off-line learning Pupil record systems Structured target setting Attendance Business systems
Creative Tools My Art My Merlin My Writing My Diary
Storage Tools Sounds & Video Books Words Pictures Links
Teachers can create books from their own and other user s files. These can then be made available for pupils to access.
Next Steps 1) Merlin Awareness and Planning Session 2) Plan for Merlin Priorities / Change Management Staffing Access Resources Training Safety and Security 3) Merlin Training Session See www.deseducation.org.uk/cpd for details
Priorities for using Merlin Improve internal staff communication Communication with Parents Set up a whole school online calendar Provide access to a range of online content for teachers and learners Enable students to build a portfolio of work to share with teachers and parents Provide a method for students to submit homework/assignments online Work collaboratively with teachers from other schools Provide a single source of information for staff from two federated schools Manage information exchange with governors Support a specific learning target/development priority
Ofsted - Virtual Learning Environments evaluation (2008).. in most of the provision surveyed, the use of VLEs to enhance learning was not widespread. We found that the exploitation of VLEs at curriculum level resembled more of a cottage industry than a national technological revolution. In most cases, at subject level, the VLE remained one small aspect of learning, supported by enthusiastic staff and learners.
Ofsted - Virtual Learning Environments evaluation (2008) The best VLEs reviewed allowed learners to reinforce their routine work, or catch up on missed lessons. In those best cases the material offered was fun and helpful and was being used well by learners. In the least effective examples, documents had been dumped on the system and forgotten.
Welcome to SWGfL Merlin Questions?