Monday, September 21, 2009

Learning Management Systems

I have spent this Term investigating what LMS would best suit our school needs.  Priorites (summarized) we have are:
  • To involve families more in 'learning conversations' with their children and teachers.
  • To create a safe online learning environment for our students 
  • To support and enhance our POWERFUL LEARNING pedagogy
I met with all vendors and viewed all 'approved' systems in operation at a school level.
One area that I felt none of the vendors excelled in was a userface that was engaging for a primary school students, a huge disappointment !

However, due to the current LMS research project that the MOE have initiated we have managed to save a significant amount of money for implementing our choosen LMS.

I have attached a table that I put together when considering the money aspect.  This table is made by me and there may be errors in my calculations or understandings (ie all care, no responsibility for table) and I suggest you ask for quotes with each vendor in respect for your own school.


Note - this table did not copy well - email me at fhawes@tauranga.school.nz and I will send this to you.

Contacts I used:

Phil Giller - Knowledge Net   phil.giller@dataview.co.nz
Viv Hall - Editure -  viv.hall@editure.com
Sandy - Ultranet - Sandy Bornholdt sandy.bornholdt@edtech.co.nz

Monday, September 7, 2009

Infoblitz

If you haven't already visited Infoblitz or linked it to your school website - it is a must do - great resource for schools made by Wendy Ballard from Greenpark School.

"Please check it out - free to use from school libraries, classrooms,
computer suites, home or any internet connection.  This website
directory has been created with Kiwi children in mind and is safe,
manageable, educational, high-interest, has visual appeal and showcases
NZ.  It can be used to research class & homework curriculum topics as
well as children's hobbies and interests.  There is a special link for
Teachers and one for Librarians."