IT
Independent schools online
Internet use has great potential for schools, but also presents many risks. Brent Ludewick reveals the results of the Ludwood Interactive Independent Schools Online Survey 2010, which shows how the sector is faring
The survey (produced in association with Funding for Independent Schools) charts the use of the internet by independent schools in the UK. The survey should also assist schools assess and develop internet strategies that will deliver the highest quality of appropriate online services for students, parents and other site users and, ultimately, help the school to be successful in achieving its wider goals.
New ISI inspections
Julie Booth reviews how the use of technology can help schools with the new ISI Inspection Framework
Recent changes to the ISI Inspection Framework mean that schools will now be inspected every three years, rather than under the previous six-year cycle. Additionally, there are now Standard and Interim inspections, which will be alternated, depending on the results of a school’s previous inspection.
Vision on
Video is one of the most effective and easily accessible tools in the wide range of new media that a school can use, reports Carolyn Reed
When incorporated into a consistent suite of brand communication materials, video adds a powerful extra dimension. It is immersive and communicates information to viewers in ways that traditional promotional methods simply can’t achieve.
Made to measure
Good ICT facilities can make a huge contribution to making a school effective. But how do you define and identify “good”? Actually, current ICT standards provide a useful benchmark, writes Paul Sypko
The quality and reliability of a school’s information and communications technology (ICT) resources can be pivotal in determining the effectiveness of its teaching, learning and management. Parents, pupils, teachers and support staff alike are enthused when a school has excellent and well-run ICT facilities. It’s probably not too much of an overstatement to say that the atmosphere of a school changes when the headteacher is proud to talk about the school’s use of ICT.
The long haul
To ensure the long-term viability of your school, school leaders must make decisions about what the future holds and how they respond to it. Corey McIntyre sets out a systems approach to financial sustainability
Any school can improve its chances of survival by developing systems and organisational capacities for sound decision-making. Before you embark on a process to improve your school’s financial planning systems, there are several guiding principles to bear in mind.
A leadership challenge
A merger was bound by an MIS that accommodated the strengths of the two original schools, writes Eric Medway
Independent schools have many advantages. One of the greatest is that we can often choose some of the most talented teachers in the country. We have found that one of the best ways to ensure our pupils achieve their full potential is to give these excellent teachers the time they need to concentrate on doing their jobs effectively.
An asset to the school
There has been a huge increase in software and handheld learning in recent years. To audit these assets requires a methodical approach. Tim Roots explains how and why
Software asset management (SAM) is the process of managing software with licence compliance, usage and demand. A vigorous SAM system can help schools conform to legal requirements and ensure future compliancy, boosting their ICT efficiencies and reducing licensing and support costs.
Real-time realpolitik
When reviewing school-to-parent communications, it is important to choose a system that addresses eventualities in a synchronised way, writes Peter May
There are three key forms of communications with parents:
• crisis and emergency communication;
• last-minute changes to the school day; and
• planned communications, such as the weekly newsletter.
Best of breed
Many independent schools waste both time and money swapping one MIS system for another. Jan Evans sets out a strategy to ensure that you find the most appropriate one for your school first time around
Apart from complaints about poor customer service, the other main reason for changing an MIS system is that one department is demanding a system that specifically works for them. And so they should. IT systems that specialise in each department’s requirements should be taken as read.
Soft landings
Software for specific requirements can be difficult to source. Here, Paul Sypko reveals the results of our survey of IT software suppliers to the independent schools sector, and charts the functionality of products and services
Getting the right management software for your school can be the difference between spending late nights in the school office and frantic attempts to stay on top of an ever-increasing workload, versus having the information you need, when you need it, with minimal stress and effort involved.
New name for MIS supplier
A leading IT company in the sector has made a name change to better reflect its global reach
Hebron has announced a change in the company name to reflect the worldwide school market in which it operates. Effective from March 2009, Hebron will now be known as Double First.
False economies
The digital age has been imposing itself on all aspects of life, not least in our schools. Pupils need the latest technology to keep up with innovations. But, laments Paul Sypko, there is a lack of consideration given to ICT budgets
Ever since personal computers became popular during the late 1980s, it has become apparent that today’s pupils need to be equipped with ICT skills to manage in their adult lives.
The cost of learning
Many schools have spent in excess of £1 million on computing over the past decade, yet have little to show in either capital asset or gains in productivity. Ian Yorston asks why and urges a radical new approach to cut costs
The usual response to queries over IT expenditure is that IT matters. It is terribly important. And schools must be seen to be keeping up with this vital part of the curriculum. If this wisdom is repeated with sufficient enthusiasm, and is supported by a couple of smart new computer suites, loaded with Microsoft Office, then most parents will nod approvingly that all is well with this aspect of the school’s management.
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Looking for soft options
A variety of software packages may appear to resolve your bursarial IT issues. However, as Chris Donlan argues, it is important to establish that they integrate fully with each other to help you fulfil your core aims
You may have noticed how today’s car manufacturers source not just common components, but now integrate the same chassis, engines and gearboxes from another company’s portfolio and run them across their own range.
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Tender care
Choosing the right software has never been simple. Paul Sypko provides a checklist to help schools select the right financial management package
There was a time when IT systems tended to work in isolation and the decision to buy management software could be narrowed down to a specific set of requirements within the admin department.
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