VLE Support to transform St. Dunstan's ICT systems

by jon@vlesupport.co.uk on 04/10/2007
in Main News

VLE Support chosen to overhaul St Dunstan’s College’s ICT to create a single online hub

VLE Support, the e-learning experts, is announcing today that it has won a contract with St Dunstan’s College to transform the school’s ICT systems and processes, bringing them all together into one online hub. The single hub will provide teachers, students and parents controlled access to information that is relevant to them, and the enhanced functionality will enable parents to interact and carry out transactions online. The project will be implemented in a phased approach over the next two years.

The project was won in a competitive pitch against three other ICT companies. Colonel Norrie Wallace, Bursar at St Dunstan’s College, an independent school for 3 to 18 year olds, commented: “Originally we were looking for a company to revamp the school’s website. After much discussion with VLE Support, we recognised the benefits of extending the remit to a complete overhaul our ICT systems, which are quite disparate, to present a consistent interface with valuable and current content. We were hugely impressed by VLE Support’s all-encompassing proposal and, whilst this project represents a significant undertaking, believe the changes will revolutionise the way we operate in a management capacity as well as academically.”

VLE Support has begun work on the project and the main elements of the project are on target to be completed by the end of the year. The first stage includes:

• re-designing the brand, look and feel for the school’s online presence
• converting all online systems – website, virtual learning environment (VLE) and intranet - to reflect the new branding
• design and develop a new content management system so that the teachers can easily update and maintain the online information
• install and tailor VLE Support’s eTracker software which monitors, assesses and analyses learning and behaviours
• integrate the school’s electronic register for recording attendance
• integrate with internal financial systems, such as SAGE, so that parents will be able to see the status of their account with the school, pay for school fees and trips online.

The online hub will be used in different ways according to the audience. Students, for example, will be able access their personal pages to measure their progress towards their individually set targets – a facility designed to encourage and motivate them to achieve. They will be able to submit assignments online and receive feedback online. Further up the school, the older students will be able to take part in collaborative projects, using online workshops and forums.

Parents, on the other hand, will be able to view their child’s progress against his/her personalised goals as well as their attendance and punctuality. Besides being kept up-to-date with school notices and timetables, parents will also be able to view their account with the school and pay for school fees and trips online.

Teachers will be able to post handouts and assignments online, and provide feedback. They will also be able to review and analyse academic and pastoral achievement (by student, class or year group), so they can identify issues and intervene fast. They can deliver interactive lessons using highly visual material, as well as monitoring the students’ online collaboration projects.

Mark Trinick, managing director of VLE Support, commented: “This is a very exciting project to be working on. It requires evolutionary change through the training of teachers and a cultural shift for the school and its audiences. However, the scope is enormous and the benefits to the teachers, pupils and parents will be equally sizable.”

For more information or to arrange a demonstration, please contact Anna Fraser on 07958 380568 or Lesley Russell on 07815 778038, email: anna@spotlightcomms.co.uk or lesley@spotlightcomms.co.uk

NOTES TO EDITORS
VLE Support is the only company in the UK to provide an all-in-one package for education and commercial sectors introducing virtual learning environments (VLEs). It facilitates the installation, configuration, training, maintenance and support of VLEs. Focused on Moodle software, it offers a comprehensive package of training and support for teachers, trainers, administrators and support staff. VLE Support also designs and develops bespoke content ranging from enhanced static documents to fully interactive multi-media presentations. Clients include Bromley College of Further and Higher Education, St Dunstan’s College and the London Ambulance Service.