A big thanks to all partipants, especially the speakers and workshop presenters, who made this conference truly captivating.

In this blog you will find information and resources on all presentations and workshops (in reverse order), including Powerpoint slides, videos, photos, links and more.

If you would like to add your opinion or any additional information (e.g. relevant web links) feel free to add a comment to any of the blog posts!

The Conference News Team at work

Video: Click the play button to start the video of this presentation!

Download: Powerpoint slides (2.7 MB)

Video: Click the play button to start the video of this presentation!

Download: Powerpoint slides (5.4 MB)

This workshop was all about Virtual Learning Environments (VLEs) and their place in the evolving world of Personalised Learning. After some introductory information by Stephen Holland, Dr Kevin Palmer enganged the particpipants in a discussion about some key aspects regarding VLEs including tools & services, personalisation, accessibility and pedagogic determinants of quality.

One interesting question was what the role of CLCs could be in the implementation of a VLE within a local authority. Here are some of the answers:

• Training provider
• Supplier
• Helping to make an informed choice
• Supporting schools in the creation of VLE content

The Word document available for download below contains all questions and answers given during the workshop plus additional suggestions and information.

At the end of the workshop Kevin Palmer introduced BDP², a Business Development Partnership Proposal, under which an innovative Personalised Learning Environment is currently being developed. CLCs interested in participating in the development partnership should contact Kevin: Kevin.Palmer@salford.gov.uk

Download: Prompt Questions for CLC Managers with suggestions (Word file, 102 KB)

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.

This workshop summarised the research currently being undertaken by teachers into E-Learning with Gifted and Talented pupils. The teachers are currently enrolled on an Oxford Brookes University Masters course entitled a Postgraduate Certificate in Advanced Educational Practice (PG CAEP) – this is being run in association with Camden and Ealing City Learning Centres.
The programme is carefully structure to develop best practice models in E-Pedagogy with Gifted and Talented pupils

This certificate explores the potential of using digital technologies to enhance the provision for G&T pupils in schools. An important part of this course is the online learning that takes place with teachers and their G&T pupils. A secure, bespoke online learning platform (funded by Camden and Ealing CLCs) has been designed and built specifically for teachers on this course – this can be found at www.brookesworld.net. Through the use of this online environment teachers explore different ways of working with their pupils. Teachers draw on all learning partners (including the pupils) to build on ideas and thoroughly evaluate them in order to define some key characteristics for a successful E-Learning pedagogy.

Teachers on this course share their experiences and develop models of best practice in E-Pedagogy by trialling activities with their pupils. These are peer reviewed using Masters level criteria and form part of the assessment of the course. Successful completion of the course enables teachers to gain a PG CAEP which is equivalent to one third of a Masters degree. Further information about these projects is available in the Powerpoint slides for the session.

The discussion focused on the national roll-out of this programme from September 2007 and how it could be tailored, in consultation with local CLCs, to meet the needs of gifted and talented students in each area. Local delivery of this programme is currently underway at Ealing CLC who are developing its structure in order to fulfil the needs of teachers in their area.

For further information please contact Gill Potter, gpotter@brookes.ac.uk

Download: Powerpoint slides (0.5 MB)

Macs make Digital Media so easy. David Baugh went on to show us exactly how. The fabulous array of integrated tools make the Mac a must for us all. David passionately believes it releases creativity in young people as well as adults, and it was easy to see why.

A demonstration of the superb Comic Life proved to be an excellent programme for storyboarding which now comes as part of the standard iLife package. Moving media around from iMovie and GarageBand was effortless. An animation made by 4 autistic year 7s and an early years project from Jenny Hulme showed the various exciting creative possibilities for all.

The launch of the Mac mini 2 years ago has made the Mac far more accessible mainly due to its amazing price (Monitor not supplied). Julia Hulme pointed out that to keep up with the National Curriculum it would become essential to have both platforms.

For those not yet converted there are approximately 60 Apple Regional Training Centres (RTCs) in the UK, and for the converted you can set up your own training centre as long as you agree to run 9 apple courses per year with a minimum of 10-15 attendees – just think of all that lovely gear that apple will supply as your reward! For more information on training centres and the Apple Teachers Institute at Cheltenham College visit www.apple.com/uk/education/ati

With the arrival of the Digital Creator Award – the only way is Apple!

BTW, Paul Matty of Towneley Park CLC, Burnley, Lancs is really keen to make contact with a CLC RTC!

Download: Powerpoint slides (PDF, 3 MB)

Summary coming soon…

Download: Victoria Junior School PDA Evaluation (Word file, 94 KB)

Delegates discussing the mornings activities over lunch