http://elgg.norfolk.e2bn.org/elearning/weblog/12952.html

Earlier this week Ofsted publised a report on the safe use of technologies.  This is the summary from the Ofsted website:

'This report is based on evidence from a small-scale survey carried out between April and July 2009 in 35 maintained schools in England. It evaluates the extent to which the schools taught pupils to adopt safe and responsible practices in using new technologies, and how they achieved this. It also assesses the extent and quality of the training the schools provided for their staff. It responds to the report of the Byron Review, Safer children in a digital world.'

The key findings outline that managing and monitoring access is preferable to simply filtering sites.  Norfolk's policy advocates such an approach, as schools are encouraged to use e-safety monitoring tools (Securus) in conjunction with a more liberal filtering policy (e-learning caste).

The report also highlights the need to develop policies whilst listening to pupil and student views.  Norfolk has been providing templates and guidance for this process, which can be found on the e-safety section of the ICT Solutions website

The need for training and good monitoring of the impact of the training is also one of the outcomes of the survey.  The advisory services have been offering training sessions on e-safety and Pip Cartwright is leading the advice and support on this topic. 

http://elgg.norfolk.e2bn.org/elearning/weblog/12795.html

Alex Savage, former AST for ICT and now in charge of the Training School at Notre Dame High School wrote to say:

Fronter is working really well for us now.  I am noticing a significant impact on the quality of learning.  The starts of lessons are more focussed.  Students can quickly access a wide range of digital resources and they are getting more regular feedback on their work through the Hand-in feature.

Let's just say that this is music to my ears, as it is exactly the kind of outcome we are looking for.  It has to be about learning in the end.  This is not to say that parental engagement, more efficient communication or time savings for teachers are not important, but in the end learning is just the most important aspect of all those things that learning platforms can make at difference with.

http://elgg.norfolk.e2bn.org/elearning/weblog/12794.html

The biggest event for Norfolk Heads and teachers enthused about learning with ICT is undoubtably the annual Norfolk ICT Conference.  Our 2010 event on March 24th and 25th is special in many ways:

• Launch of the new e-learning strategy for Norfolk (2010-2014)
• Focus on learning spaces and the way ICT can enhance them
• Presentations by Norfolk Schools and Learners
• Innovation in learning through games, including the Futurelab 'SPARK' exhibition
• Keynotes, practical seminars and break out sessions by leading individuals and national agencies (Steve Moss, John Davitt, Partnership for Schools, Becta, Futurelab, E2BN)

For full details and booking please see the conference site.

http://elgg.norfolk.e2bn.org/elearning/weblog/12762.html

Futurelab have sent us the following and some of the resources linked below will be just what school leaders have been looking for.

http://elgg.norfolk.e2bn.org/elearning/weblog/12591.html

From DCSF news

Safer Internet Day is a Europe-wide initiative, and is the one day in the year that provides a focus on internet safety issues. There is a range of activities taking place across the continent to help protect young people online, and you can get involved too. The theme for Safer Internet Day 2010 is 'Think before you post'. This will involve a full week of action in the UK, with activities taking place from Monday 8 February to Friday 12 February.

The Child Exploitation and Online Protection (CEOP) Centre have launched a website designed to give schools, teachers, youth workers and child protection specialists ideas and suggestions about how to get involved. CEOP will also be launching new resources to teach online safety to Key Stage 1 children.

Safer Internet Day will also see the launch of a public awareness campaign from the UK Council for Child Internet Safety. The Click Clever, Click Safe campaign will highlight a new online 'green cross code': 'Zip it, Block it, Flag it'. The code will outline behaviour that allows young people to enjoy the internet safely. Campaign support materials and further information will be produced for schools to promote the code throughout the year.

Visit the Safer Internet Day website for more information.

http://elgg.norfolk.e2bn.org/elearning/weblog/12362.html

Schools will be aware of the government's Home Access programme, which allows parents with children eligible for free school meals to apply for a grant to buy a computer or a laptop.  The programme also covers internet access for at least one year where needed.  The national helpline, which is handling all the applications has now gone live and there will be further announcements at the BETT show later this week.

The following telephone number is now available for Home Access (FSM) application requests: 0333 200 1004

Norfolk LA are keen to support schools and parents to take advantage of this fantastic offer.  Sharon Jay, project manager for home access, can be contacted on 01603 433 276.  Many schools are supporting parents in completing the application and Parental Support advisers have been extensively briefed on this programme.

Application forms are only available through the national helpline, but early indictations show that the process of using the helpline is fairly straight forward.

http://elgg.norfolk.e2bn.org/elearning/weblog/12313.html

Your pupils/students may be interested in this event hosted by UEA in Norwich.  Please read the attached flyer - or even better, display it at your school!

Game On mailout.pdf

http://elgg.norfolk.e2bn.org/elearning/weblog/11863.html

Take a look at the latest edition of the E2BN Newsletter - lots of excellent teaching and learning resources.  Did you know...

that you could have free online lessons to learn an instrument?

that the Pathe News Archive is freely available in schools?

about the KS1 e-safety resources?

E2BN - Newsletter For Web Winter 2009.pdf  

http://elgg.norfolk.e2bn.org/elearning/weblog/11640.html

We want to know what pupils and staff think about our plans for ICT.  We are consulting on a new ICT and E-learning strategy for 2010 - 2014.  Entitled 'World Class ICT for Norfolk Learners', this strategy sets out clear priorities for developing ICT and also details how we will take advantage of capital programmes, such as 'Building Schools for the Future' and the 'Primary Capital Programme'.

Schools with the highest participation rates can win a Flip camera!

Take the survey

http://elgg.norfolk.e2bn.org/elearning/weblog/11639.html

The latest newsletter from the Dcsf mentions the national Home Access programme:

Home Access programme

Home Access is the new Government programme which will help to ensure that more children in England have access to technology at home to support learning. Eligible low-income families (eligibility is based on the criteria for free school meals) with learners in Years 3 to 9 will be able to apply for a grant to buy a computer and internet package.

Schools can take an active role in this programme by applying to run an aggregation scheme which involves them ordering packages for families. However, families will be able to apply directly to a central body for their grant, so schools can make a choice as to their level of involvement.

The programme, which is being delivered by Becta, will benefit over 270,000 households, and families should apply from January 2010. Because some learners will need additional support, assistive technology will also be available under the programme.

Visit the Becta website for more information