Gatlin International

Wales Online

A primary school has made history by becoming the first in Wales to equip every child with a laptop computer under a pilot e-learning initiative.

The project in Victoria Primary School, Abersychan, Torfaen, is one of three e-learning initiatives funded by the Welsh Assembly Government’s Heads of the Valleys regeneration programme and supported by the Department for Children, Education, Lifelong Learning and Skills.

Funding of £100,000 will buy 225 laptops for school, train teachers and ensure there is adequate power, security and wireless access.

The initiative follows recommendations highlighted in an e-learning strategy being developed for the HoV by a group comprising local authorities, colleges and the voluntary sector.

The project will be closely monitored and provide information to support implementation later this year of the One Wales commitment to pilot the provision of laptops for children.

The Heads of the Valleys is also providing £100,000 to Merthyr College to buy up to 250 mini notebooks and install or extend wireless access in four secondary schools, one pupil referral unit and an adult and community learning centre.

Rhondda Cynon Taf Local Education Authority is to receive £37,500 funding to establish one or more networked Moodles – online learning communities – to support collaborative working in schools.

Leighton Andrews, Deputy Minister for Regeneration, said one of the key purposes of the Heads of the Valleys programme was to trial initiatives on a small scale in order to develop elements that could be rolled out nationally.

“This joint approach by the Heads of the Valleys and DCELLS has clear advantages as the lessons learned will provide valuable intelligence on key issues surrounding e-learning. The projects will be monitored and evaluated and the early outcomes – both qualitative and quantitative – will help inform the development of the One Wales laptop pilot by DCELLS.”

Maktoob

Digital media industry stalwart Patty Keegan today announced the launch of her new digital media training company, Digital Chameleon. In an Australian first, the company, which features a team of well known industry personnel, will offer collaborative e-learning components which can be provided as stand-alone training modules, or be blended with traditional face to face instruction by Digital Chameleon trainers.

The company launch comes at a time of economic uncertainty, but according to Patty Keegan, founder and Director of Digital Chameleon, early discussions have shown that the industry recognises the importance of digital media education and the need for accountable and cost effective training solutions.

“The market conditions and continued growth of the online market are resulting in an increasing number of staff shifting from traditional to digital media roles. As a result we see a huge opportunity for media owners, agencies, and marketers to train their staff for the transition and ensure they are effective from day one,” said Ms Keegan. “Digital Chameleon e-learning modules are also exceptionally accountable and cost-effective, making them attractive to companies cutting back on travel and training costs.”

During product development, Digital Chameleon has enlisted the help of an eLearning Advisory Board, consisting of Sales and Learning & Development managers from client companies including Austereo and Fairfax Media.

“Since this is new territory for us, we wanted to make sure we had real-world users test the modules, and give us valuable feedback,” said Ms. Keegan.

One of the key points of difference for Digital Chameleon courses is the strong focus on ‘how to’ information within each course. Another distinguishing feature of Digital Chameleon is its establishment of collaborative learning via a series of private social communities for course attendees, providing background information, group forums and course support.

Digital Chameleon offers six digital media courses which address the needs for any company that buys or sells advertising. The courses are tailored for three core audiences: media owners, where sales staff may be transitioning from traditional to digital media; marketers who may be looking to integrate digital into their advertising plans; and media planning and buying agencies looking to train traditional and new digital planners or buyers, account managers, and support staff.

The courses follow three phases: Learn – learning foundational information; Adapt – applying that knowledge in practical how to workshops; and Transform – via collaborative learning environments.

Tri-Town News

A group of 18 pupils at the Newbury School recently traveled through outer space without leaving the classroom. They were able to accomplish this challenging feat by using a distance-learning program with NASA called “Planet Hopping.”

Pamela Gawron, the computer lab teacher at the school, was able to provide the instruction at minimal cost.

As Gawron explained, “It’s not that distance learning and video conferencing are new, it is the technology we are using that is new and much more affordable.”

The technology included software known as PVX, a web camera and a built-in microphone on a computer.

The Jan. 21 lesson with NASA’s Digital Learning Network, administered by Karen Hicks-Miller, a distance learning coordinator based in Langley, Va., “cost under $300, compared to the $7,000 expenditure that was necessary in the past,” Gawron said.

Gawron said she attended a workshop at the Center for Mathematics, Science and Computer Education at Rutgers University and learned about tools she could use to make video conferencing a low-cost reality for her pupils.

She learned about different educational outreach services on video conferencing that are offered by the New Jersey State Museum, Trenton, in addition to free software that is available.

Howell Superintendent of Schools Enid Golden said, “About eight years ago the district purchased distance learning equipment for the middle schools through a $90,000 grant. It helped us to have special programs with different content areas.

“The evolution of technology has made this the way of the future, and this is the direction we want to go in. To do it at such an inexpensive cost is amazing. It shows our investment in technology. It is another way to motivate children and to get them learning,” Golden said.

Max Murphy, 10, said he has used similar technology to speak with his aunt in Ireland. He said this way of learning is “more fun.”

Hannah Burke, 10, said, “I enjoyed [the NASA lesson]. We’re having so much fun that you don’t even realize you’re learning.”

Newbury School Principal James Quinn said teachers will continue to use this type of instruction.

“We are going to branch out and work with the staff to see what else we can add to it,” he said.