ICT suites

I've recently had the pleasure of helping a couple of schools redesign their ICT suite. These have been based on teacher's frustrations at ease of use of current equipment/layout.

If you have a suite, and would like to share things that work well (or things you find annoying, that don't work well), including tips for other readers, please comment below.

Becta have guidance for designing ICT suites, although often compromises are required.

If you want to discuss updating your suite, feel free to call our team 01629 585582 and ask for Dean or John (phone advice is free, although we do offer design/consultancy as a traded service)

IE7

As part of the early adopter training we were asked to upgrade to IE 7 (Internet Explorer version 7 - thought I'd better tell you that because I decided pretending I knew what IE meant for such a long time at the training was counter-productive). Anyone using EDVOL (online risk assessments for trips and visits) were told last year that IE 7 conflicted with the EDVOL system and we must not upgrade. The new advice is UPGRADE to IE 7; no worries. The only thing you won't be able to do is edit users. So if you want to edit an existing user, add a new one or remove a user you will need to eamil EDVOL team directly on:
David.Wheal2@Derbyshire.gov.uk
In fact here's the email from David Wheal:

Morning!
You’re right to ask about this as there has been a few problems with EdVol and IE7. However, I wouldn’t worry too much about it as the problems are easily remedied. The only problem you will see is that using IE7 you won’t be able to access the staff database to add/remove staff members from EdVol, but I’m guessing that your staff turnover isn’t too high!! If you do need any changes done you can email me and I’ll do them for you.

Also, it looks like we’re finally in a position to start the move over to that new system that I came over and demo’d to you in February and that works better with IE7 anyway.

So in other words, ‘Go for it!’

Hope you’re well (and yes it is sunny down here too!)

Dave Wheal

Reviewing ICT scheme

Is there anyone out there who is actually reviewing their ICT scheme at the moment?
Lots of people talk to us about the fact that the QCA interpretation of the NC is dated, and our children are more skilled than 9 years ago. However for many, it's a valuable starting point to ensure that the NC is being delivered.
If you are changing your scheme, or wish to in the very near future, comment below, or email me (john.legood@Derbyshire.gov.uk). I'd like to do some collaborative work on this, hopefully sharing some ideas/plans between schools.

ICT roadshow 2008

Yesterday was our Derbyshire ICT roadshow, at Swanwick. Lots of chances to chat to colleagues (for free!), meeting schools involved in ICT projects, as well as scouring software (and hardware too, this year) for good deals and new products. The turn out was quite good, and on the whole people who came were purposeful with money to spend, or specific items to review. This pleased many suppliers... one unnamed one delighted with a very large sale from the last person through the door at 5.45pm who spend a couple of thousand pounds!
I'm sure all delegates filled in the evaluation form, but feel free to leave comments below on good/bad points, areas for improvement.