Learning Platform Advice for Norfolk Secondary Schools:

The Norfolk e-Learning Strategy sets out a clear priority to develop a learning platform provision for all Norfolk Schools. A strong vision for a Norfolk Secondary Learning Platform has emerged through consultation with schools through the e-learning steering group, national developments and a strong commitment from Norfolk Children's Services. Building on the success at the primary phase, where an offer is in place and currently being implemented in all primary schools, Children's services are committed to procure a learning platform service, which meets the needs of all Norfolk Secondary Schools.

Secondary schools have been working with Children's Services to establish the principles this 'Secondary Learning Network' should be based upon. There has also been a extensive assessment of systems and services currently in place. We have also been seeking guidance from Becta and other agencies to ensure our processes meet national standards. The Secondary Learning Network should:

• Be a web based provision based on a robust managed service


• Facilitate collaboration as part of the design, to ensure we can meet the 14-19 agenda


• Include interoperability with others systems, particularly with all information management systems currently used in Norfolk Secondary Schools (MIS)


• Meet Becta standards for Learning Platforms, including VLE functionality


• Be accessible through a single sign on for all systems that make up the Learning Platform


• Adhere to standards such as SCORM, IMS, Shibboleth, SIF


• Integrate with systems in other settings, such as FE colleges


• Be introduced through a customisable training programme

Outline Procurement Process:

30/09/2007	Statements of Requirements (SoR) are finalised
1/10/2007	SoR shared with Schools
November 2007	ESPO led procurement process starts
December 2007	Two stage evaluation process commences
Spring 2008	Teacher panel (e-learning strategy group), pupil & stakeholder product evaluations
May 2008	Contract awarded
Summer 2008	Service available to schools
Autumn 2008	Rollout and training programme commences

Guidance for schools to progress e-learning:

It is vitally important that schools build up their expertise in using online tools and services to enable and support learning. Teachers and students will need to be in a strong position to make use of the learning platform when it arrives. We should not wait for it, but build up expertise now.

1. Ensure that the MIS system of your choice is fully implemented and regularly updated. The MIS system supported by Children's Services is Phoenix e1. Core organisational processes, such as timetabling, electronic registration & attendance, tracking of assessment and behaviour, contact information management etc. should be integrated with the MIS.

2. If you have started to introduce a learning platform (e.g. Netmedia MG4L, Simply Click, LP+) you should continue to implement it. We will support schools to migrate, when the school feels they wish to move the new provision, where the current system is supported by Norfolk Children's Services.

3. If you have no VLE or learning platform at your school, you should make use of online tools and systems supported by Norfolk County Council and E2BN to pilot specific aspects of e-learning. These do not necessarily be implemented across the entire school. There is a wide range of applications available and the e-learning team will be pleased to support you in their use.