City Learning Centres Conference 2007

Presenters: Andrew Flowerdew, Innovicity, Steve Johnson, Longton High CLC, Steve Moss, Partnership for Schools, and Craig Zematis, Intel

The general message of this workshop was that it is unthinkable to consider Local Authorities preparing for Building Schools for the Future (BSF) without including CLCs, as those are experts at providing ways to enhance learning through technology. While leading on innovation strategy CLCs are the facilitators of BSF.

What if the wrong managed service provider is appointed was one of the questions, to which the answer was given that the Local Education Partnership can simply loose the contract. However bearing in mind that an ICT partner is generally appointed for a 5 year contract this can take some time so it is better to get it right in the first place.

The reason for appointing a managed service provider at all was also discussed. School’s prime concern is enhancing the lives of students through teaching and learning as their core business, so it makes sense that they don’t want t manage their ICT networks as well.

What happens to CLCs after BSF was also discussed. However it was pointed out that there is more threat to CLCs through not getting involved with BSF. Where CLCs need to become more self supporting they can provide support in conjunction with the approved service provider.

With CLCs playing a major role in BSF the key is to concentrate on the transformation of learning experiences.