What is a Learning Platform? Why do we need one?

A learning platform is a combination of ICT tools and applications that support teaching and learning that can be accessed from the Internet. Think of a large jigsaw of tools and applications that together make a complete e-learning system. 

To keep up to date with Kent Learning Zone's latest news, developments, 'live demonstration' events and training details please visit my blog at www.clusterweb.org.uk?learningplatform alternatively www.eiskent.co.uk?learningzone.

What the Government Expects?

The Government expects all pupils to have access to a ‘Personalised Online Learning Space’ by August 2008. (DfES Learning Platform Guidance for Schools).  The Kent Learning Zone provides a a comprehensive suite of learning platform technologies.

The Kent Learning Zone (KLZ)

Kent's solution to address these targets is the Kent Learning Zone (KLZ), a Children, Families and Education Directorate (CFE) project being delivered by EIS and funded through the Strategic Technologies Standards Fund Grant.

The KLZ is a web based ‘Communication and Collaboration’ platform that combines familiar Microsoft products, such as Outlook email, Live Communications etc, with the latest Microsoft Sharepoint 2007 technology to create a county wide infrastructure that allows schools to plug in the products that are right for them. This includes virtual learning environments (VLE's), and an increasing range of educational applications.

Kent Learning Zone Features:

• A secure ‘Active Directory’ of users directly drawn from your school management system.
• Students and teachers have their own online space - ‘MySite’.
• Wide choice of plug-in options available through Microsoft technology.
• Designed to meet the specific needs of Kent schools.
• Value for money  - centrally funded, low cost e-learning.
  
• EIS helpdesk support.
• EIS training packages, ASK supported.
• Greater control and flexibility for schools to create their own personalised learning platform.

What will be the impact?

Instead of teachers sharing activities with colleagues by email, or using portable storage devices, the Kent Learning Zone will offer a whole range of collaboration tools, and online storage where teachers can share work and communicate with each other.

Sharing can be across a school and sometimes between local schools. The combination of an online environment and reliable broadband internet means that all members of the learning community can communicate and share.

So, does my school have to provide online personalised learning spaces?

Yes! The Government is clear about this and August 2008 is the key date to work towards. KLZ meets all the DfES 2008 target requirements and enhances LA communication.