I have just come across an online document processor called j2e, which stands for "just2easy" apparently. It looks fantastically like Textease, so is highly suitable for education. I have really liked the online collaboration of Google Docs, but it is very MS Word-like. j2e has all the Textease-type features. It seems that j2e has been shibbolethised, so will work within Merlin. What a fantastic tool this would be in Merlin.

Our early testing of Flashmeeting in SWGfL proved very exciting. We have a very useable, simple online video communication tool now available for schools to try. The system enables a group of users to meet online using simple webcams and microphones, in much the way that Skype presents, but with added educational functionality. Although this won't enable a connection with the more expensive video conferencing equipment such as Polycom, it is a way that schools can try out basic VC and put it to real educational purposes. Flashmeeting was developed by the Open University who use it for distance learning. E2BN and Kent have been using it in schools for a while now. So, if you are in a SWGfL school and want to give it a try, check out our Flashmeeting support pages. Using your LA contact, ask to be a meeting booker. Agree to our terms of use, and you can then book flashmeetings for your school. Simply email the meeting confirmation email, with its web link, to others you want to meet online - an expert, another class, a school overseas. Exciting educational possibilities.

We have just heard the great news that Myths and Legends has been short-listed for the Bett 2009 Digital Content Award. It will be absolutely completely well deserved because Myths and legends is a truly remarkable piece of online software. What a prompt to look again at Myths and Legends If you havent yet tried logging in and creating and adding sound effects to your story, try that soon. And keep your fingers crossed for E2BN in the next round of the judging.

 

SWGfL are delighted to announce the launch of SWGfL Merlin, a new service for learners across the South West.

To find out more, visit the Learning Platforms section on our website, http://www.swgfl.org.uk/services/learning_platforms/ 

There's an introduction to the service and what it offers schools and educational establishments in the South West in  'SWGfL Merlin - An introduction' .

To learn more about the features of SWGfL Merlin and how it can support your school, check out the section entitled What will SWGfL Merlin provide?

To find out more about the implementation of this new service in your local area, visit the section entitled Training and Support.

 

 

 

The SWGfL have negotiated free entry to the Molenet events running in the region, saving delegates £145 each.

The next event will be in Plymouth on Monday 16th June. To book, simply complete and e-mail the registration form below.

Aimed at Teachers, Tutors, Advisers, Support Staff, Content Creators and M-Champions, the event will help to provide practitioners with an understanding of how 2 way messaging and Bluetooth can be used to enhance Learning and Teaching and how Web 2.0 can be used to enhance the learning experience.

Booking formSMS and web2_SWGfL.doc (43.00 kb)

JQ0090_SMS Bluetooth e-flyer_finalSW.pdf (53.30 kb)

The SWGfL have negotiated free entry to the Molenet events running in the region, saving delegates £145 each.

 The next event will be in Taunton on Monday 28th April. To book, simply complete and e-mail the registration form below.

Aimed at Teachers, Tutors, Advisers, Support Staff, Content Creators and M-Champions, the event will help extend the pedagogical understanding on how to provide good learning opportunities using Mobile Devices. The flyer can be viewed by clicking the link below

MoLeNET flyer April event.pdf (60.64 kb)

Booking form April.doc (765.00 kb)

Prison Reform:  Parliament’s role then and now

As part of a new video conferencing programme offered by the Education Service at the Houses of Parliament, these pilot sessions focus on the issue of Prison Reform in order to bring to life the role of Parliament, both historically and in the present time. 

The conferences include the opportunity to talk with a member of the House of Commons or House of Lords   Set amidst the backdrop of Victorian prison reform, the session is based in 1878 as the government takes control of the prison system. 

Your students will meet a Victorian prison governor and a long-time prisoner as they talk about their experiences of life in Pentonville Prison. During the workshop, your group are encouraged to engage with both characters, played by costumed actors, and to ask questions before being led into a debate on the issues surrounding the prison system and its purpose. Students will explore what prison is for and whether it works from both historical and contemporary angles; developments in the prison system and the role played by Parliament in its reform; as well as the future of prisons today. 

A member of the House of Commons or House of Lords will be invited to conclude the workshop and discuss the role of Parliament in relation to this issue*. A pack of preparation materials will be sent to you in advance of the session, including background information and discussion topics, to help your students prepare their arguments in advance of debating the issues involved. 

To book, please call the Education Service on 0207 219 2105  Available: 12 May – 23 May 2008

Duration: 1 hour - Cost: free of charge - Suitability: Years 8 and 9 (KS3) *Please be aware that on occasion due to the nature of Parliamentary business, Members of both Houses can be called away at short notice.   

Parliament’s Education Service works with schools and Members of both Houses of Parliament to support young people in developing their understanding of Parliament and democracy. It runs a busy visits programme all year round and provides printed and online resources for schools.http://www.parliament.uk/education

 

The NEN is the UK collaborative network for education, providing schools with a safe, secure and reliable learning network and direct access to a growing collection of on-line services and content.

A range of resources developed by Regional Broadband Consortia including the South West Grid for Learning, have been brought together in the new NEN Content Brochure.

To download your copy, please click the link below.

NEN_Brochure (2).pdf (1.14 mb)

MoLeNET is the Mobile Learning Network which supports teaching and learning using mobile technologies. 

As a MoLeNET partner, we have negotiated a number of places at events taking place in the region, focussing on Podcasting, Wireless and WiFi and using mobile technologies in teaching and learning. Please click here te see the MoLeNET flyer

The next two MoLeNET events will take place on:

Monday 3rd March

Monday 28th April

There has been a lot of interest in MoLeNET since the Learning and Skills Network had its initial briefing last June and we want to maintain that interest by forming a Wider MoLeNET community. This community is open to all interested parties in m-learning (Mobile Learning) and members will have first hand access to:

Materials

Newsletters

On-line conference events

Opportunities to attend some specialist events Access to the MoLeNET community VLE Outputs from MoLeNET research and evaluation Continuing professional development opportunities

The cost of attending these highly regarded events outside of the MoLeNET community is £145. There will be no cost to a limited number of LA delegates booking through the SWGfL. Anyone interested in attending or joining the MoLeNET community should contact Ian Southwell iansouthwell@swgfl.org.uk

JQ0084_MoLeNET e-flyer_final (2).pdf (46.43 kb)

Wider MoLeNET community_sw (2).doc (822.50 kb)