John McPhee News This ICT news page will provide readers with regular updates on the latest developments in ICT in an educational context. Although many of the articles are based on national events, John will be delighted to receive any news on school projects and class activities that could be highlighted on this page. Please contact: john.mcphee@ea.argyll-bute.sch.uk
Pathfinder North
The Pathfinder North broadband initiative will provide all Argyll and Bute schools with broadband access to the Internet and Glow. The other authorities involved in the project are Highland, Moray, Western Isles, Orkney and Shetland. Details of the rollout programme for Pathfinder were presented at the last round of head teachers meetings where technical requirements and proposed installation dates were discussed. For project information, go to the Pathfinder North website at:
http://www.pathfindernorth.co.uk/Glow
The new target date for the beginning of Glow implementation in Argyll and Bute is August 2008. Glow and Learning and Teaching Scotland have announced that the central training programme has been cancelled in favour of local arrangements that will meet individual authorities’ requirements. In Argyll and Bute’s case, those requirements are that schools must have an appropriate broadband connection in place and are technically ready to access Glow. It has been decided therefore to align Mentor training to the rollout programme for Pathfinder. Information on Glow can be viewed at the website at: http://www.glowscotland.org.uk/Glow Mentors
Argyll and Bute now has 19 SSDN Mentors who will provide advice and support to colleagues on effective use of the Scottish Schools Digital Network. The Mentor Team already has its own website at: http://ssdn.ea.argyll-bute.sch.uk Here you can link to each member's blog and read about their use of ICT to support learning and teaching in their class. The Mentors will receive their training from the central Glow Team beginning on one of three courses beginning on the 23rd May 2007. HMIE report on ICT in Scottish Education
HMIE has produced a comprehensive report on ICT in Scottish Education. In preparing this report, inspectors drew on the findings of HMIE’s published reports of inspection and review, and visited pre-school centres, primary, secondary and special schools, colleges and community learning and development (CLD) centres to observe practice and gather the views of learners and teaching staff. In addition, inspectors visited a number of education authorities. A full version of the report can be found at: http://www.hmie.gov.uk/documents/publication/iseictilat.html A separate document is to be published with a series of case studies taken from the visits to various establishments. Search the Web
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