Kristianstill

The question appears simple the answer is far from it. Which VLE?

Before I go on to explain our journey at Hamble College, let me summarise the variable I have encountered that influence the decision making process. Its a lengthy list and each variable could be expanded, so to spare you, excuse the brevity.

1. Budget.

2. Previous experiences of the school, of governors, of the teachers and of the potential users – the students.

3. County decision making, decision makers, IT agreements and partnerships with VLE providers.

4. Onsite expertise, or lack of expertise.

5. What are the Jone’s using?

6. National deadlines.

7. MIS data interoperability.

8. Who is going to implement the training, drive the VLE and support the teachers. This should include the students but it is generally accepted that the students will be more easily included.

9. What are your local education Consortium using?

10. Additional impact on current IT infrastructure?

11. IT infrastructure maturity with the College?

12. How the VLE impacts on other strategies in the College, eg Netbooks, website, MIS.

For the past 12 months I have been trying to find the answer (really its a solution) to this question. Within 3 months I had looked at a number of VLEs and concluded that either Moodle or Studywiz were right for our College. Then the process become more complicated as more variables were uncovered. A further 7 months on and we have gone for Moodle. I have learnt that regardless of the final decision, right or wrong, make a decision. I have consulted with a range of schools with various VLE solutions and what is clear, it is the nect 6 months that is important. We are not looking to go for the ‘big bang’ approach to the VLE but for a slow, organic deployment with significant departmental support.

What institutional changes have left us in a position to use Moodle? An opening in the office staff to share Sims integration with Moodle deployment permitting more personal support. A partnership with an IT firm with the expertise to integrate Sims and cosmetic branding. As this experience unfolds, I will update the blog.

I am still in SSAT conference mode. We have hit the ground running since our return and today we finally got the VLE decided. Yet something has been eating away at me, something that makes me feel that decision we have made is not future proof. Is a VLE essential? Most would say its hugely beneficial but essential? So that debate goes on, but whats bothering me is the restrictive nature of Moodle? Reliant on a desktop, laptop or netbook, is Moodle future proof?  Something to be mindful of in the coming years. As yet I don’t think Moodle is portable, not 4th screen compatible and there are few teenagers that would be without their 4th screen now is there.

The 4th Screen

Well I know I am not the only ICT teacher faced with this task. At present there is a need to extend my own personal knowledge and to then find the right solution for Hamble College. What I have learnt is every education solution is unique and should not only focus on the tool but those whom will be using it. Second, that Hamble College needs a number of successful ICT stories before a VLE will be excepted.

Currently I have spoken with professional colleagues using Moodle and Kaleidos, and I am still investigating.