Developing an e-learning strategy for Norfolk

Improving the use of technology to support all aspects of learning is currently an important priority, both nationally and locally. I am writing to let you know about some of the current developments at Local Authority level designed to support schools in becoming 'e-confident' schools, and to seek your help and support in taking them forward.

We want to ensure that any ICT systems introduced to Norfolk schools to support learning (broadly described as e-learning systems or virtual learning environments) complement our current ICT strategy and work well with each other and with the systems that schools already have. We believe that we can best do this by providing appropriate information for schools, and by involving them in the development of an e-learning strategy for Norfolk.

There are two developments currently underway that will be of particular interest to schools aiming to become 'e-confident': the first is a pilot of the virtual learning environment offered by NetMedia Education as part of their agreement with E2BN, our regional broadband provider. The second concerns the development of an e-learning strategy document to support these developments in all Norfolk Schools.

There are two opportunities to participate in this process that I would like to invite you to consider:

1. We would like all schools to participate in an online questionnaire to establish the current baseline across Norfolk and to help identify each school's needs, priorities and capacity to develop their 'e-confidence' so that we can plan the best way forward. This questionnaire can be accessed at http://ictinschools.norfolk.gov.uk (login and follow the links to the e-learning questionnaire)
   
   
2. We want to trial the use of a virtual learning environment (VLE) with staff only, using accounts provided free of charge through E2BN, our regional broadband provider. (This will be limited to two secondary schools and five primary schools.)

The short background paper that follows also contains a glossary of key terms. If you require further information or would like to participate in the staff VLE trial as set out above, please contact Sebastian Gasse, ICT Adviser, at the Norwich Professional Development Centre by telephone on (01603) 433276 or by email to sebastian.gasse@norfolk.gov.uk and he will be pleased to try and help you.