Welcome to SWGfL Merlin

1. Welcome to SWGfL Merlin The future of learning is here!

2. What is SWGfL Merlin? Inter-operability data interchange Big Day Out uLearn Audio Networks … … Your VLE Your MIS UserDirectory VLE SIMS SWGfL Content E.g. Espresso Sam Learning Knowledge Box Purchased Content Simplified Sign On Service Wiki Personal Community Blog Forums etc. Library Virtual Desktop Tools Space

3. Single Sign On Desktop Tools Space SWGfL Merlin - A starting point… Building your school’s platform – plugging in your choice of tools An extended learning platform

4. Merlin VLE Reporting systems Pupil record systems Personal online space Transfer of accounts between schools Chat Wikis Search Assessment tools MIS Attendance Blogs Calendar Bulletin board Communication and collaboration between all schools in the SW Targeted News Website creation Timetables linked to VLE Surveys Discussions Questionnaires Parental password access Upload a range of file types Filtering and e-safety Interest groups Collaborative projects Structured course builder Simplified sign-on E-portfolio Target specific users Business systems CV builder Range of themes and interfaces Integration of MIS Storage of resources E-ILP Structured target setting Resources linked to timetables Integration of a range VLE Sharing resources Whole school pupil tracking systems Off-line learning Learning Platform

5. What will SWGfL Merlin look like? • Bespoke Early Years interface with full integration into SWGfL Merlin • Simple access to tools and resources • Age appropriate tools including simple word processor, online • scribble tool, online diary • Creation of e-books for sharing with class • Functionality, tools and sharing controlled and managed by teacher Screen shots

6. Moving On… • Additional tools and interfaces as pupils migrate to full SWGfL Merlin • Customisable virtual desktop enabling personalisation of • interface with themes, images, widgets • E-portfolio can be shared with other users • Collaboration spaces to share and communicate information Demo site Scenarios

7. Targeted news - publish and push news to specific users Shared calendars - share events with members Multiple calendars - overlay on to personal calendar to provide complete picture of events Alerts – opt to receive alerts when documents are added or changed Surveys – collect responses and feedback and display instantly as graphs Personal Online Learning Space Compatibility with Mobile Technologies (AKS) E-safety What will SWGfL Merlin do?

8. Benefits For Teachers Single access to a range of resources that can be customised for the exact needs of pupils Create and share teaching materials which can be accessed by students and colleagues anywhere and at anytime Support supply teachers with access to cover work and lesson plans Receive submissions of work from pupils Manage your diary, personal file space and receive targeted news within your personalised desktop space Opportunities to collaborate and share across departments, schools, LA and SW region.

9. Benefits For Pupils Access learning materials outside lesson time and from a variety of locations Store work and notes online for use in assignments, homework and revision, outside normal school hours Work at own pace with the potential to access a wider choice of learning styles and tools in a more personalised work space Create and share an online portfolio, including digital photos and videos of performance as well as text Submit work and assignments for marking or discussion Communicate, collaborate and participate in live discussions and forums with other students and teachers within a moderated, e-safe environment

10. Benefits For Parents Play a greater part in children's learning, where they have access to SWGfL Merlin from home Support children in learning which takes place outside school Share their child's online portfolio and view a showcase of their best work Communicate more effectively with teachers, school administrators and others supporting their child's learning Engage with wider school issues through online communication and shared spaces Become active partners with the school. Be reassured that their child is working within an e-safe environment

11. Benefits for Admin/Managers Simplified creation and management of accounts, user names and passwords through MIS system Ability to share up-to-date management information such as attendance and attainment Reduce the administrative burden on teachers by using transferable data Enable communication within school and beyond, on a one-to-one, one-to-many, or many-to-many basis Increase communication with parents. Forge closer links with other schools and agencies both locally and regionally

12. Benefits for LA officers Create and share materials which can be accessed by colleagues anywhere and at anytime Support colleagues with targeted access to confidential documents and information Receive submissions of work from schools and colleagues Manage your diary, personal file space and receive targeted news within your personalised desktop space Opportunities to collaborate and share across departments, schools, LA and SW region

13. Points to consider Do you have a sufficient hardware for easy access to SWGfL Merlin from various locations within the school and home? Is your connectivity reliable and fast enough for an Internet-based system? Do you have a AUP written into your school improvement plan that would cover SWGfL Merlin? Do you have a budget to buy more equipment if needed? How will you ensure the security and safety of the users of the learning platform and their data? Can your staff demonstrate an awareness and confidence in the embedded use of ICT to support teaching and learning ?

14. Finding out more • For further formation and updates regarding SWGfL Merlin • Visit the SWGfL website • www.swgfl.org.uk/services/learning_platforms • Subscribe to the SWGfL mailing list • www.swgfl.org.uk/news_and_events/mailinglist.asp • Contact your LA SWGfL Merlin key contact • Linda Duffy • l.duffy@dorsetcc.gov.uk Ph 01929 401812 • Mob: 07881 802889