| 2010/11 Mobile Learning Project |
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Using Mobile Technology to advance Learning and Teaching Mobile Learning Project Proposal 2010/11 Tameside’s vision and the Building Schools for the Future (BSF) solution is to provide a mobile device for every pupil in every Secondary school. In anticipation of this, we are currently experimenting with mobile devices and exploring and developing new ways of learning and teaching using mobile technology. Over the past year we have worked with four Tameside Secondary schools on a range of mobile projects, from which we have learnt a great deal. We would like to continue to develop our knowledge and expertise and so are offering one school the opportunity to borrow a class set of mobile devices from September 2010 and work with us to explore the use of mobile technology further. We would like to offer every school the opportunity to apply for the use of these devices and work alongside the eLearning team to explore the use of mobile technology and contribute to the development of new ways of learning and teaching. Our plan is to lend out the devices (at no charge) to one school for one academic year starting from September 2010 and to monitor and evaluate the impact on teaching, learning and attainment. We will also provide devices for several teachers involved in the project for its duration. We will offer technical and curriculum support at the outset and during the project within pre-determined and mutually acceptable limits, some of which will be allocated from your ICT Support Package. In return we are asking for commitment to the success of the project and the development of case studies to share with other Tameside schools. Mobile devices are yet to be widely used within schools, but results from research to date indicate that there are many benefits including; improvements in student concentration and confidence, improved ICT skills, increased motivation, making learning more fun and connecting learning at school with learning at home. All of which leads to better performance at school and an improved standard of work in assessments and tests, which is why we are keen to experiment with their use in Tameside schools. They also offer a lower cost alternative to desktop or portable computers. The devices you will borrow are Acer Aspire One Netbooks which come in their own carrying case, with 6-cell batteries which last up to 6 hours without the need to re-charge. They are wireless with the potential to connect to the internet, to use email and link to the school Virtual Learning Environment (VLE). They are smaller than the average diary, weighing less than 1kg and as such are portable, pocketable and easy to carry around from lesson to lesson. They are also great fun to use, potentially providing access to learning from anywhere at anytime. They come pre-loaded with security, anti-virus software, Microsoft Office, Media Player and Audacity - and additional software can be installed. We are keen to experiment with these devices and allow pupils some freedom to investigate their potential, learn from what they find, gain greater access to resources and to support new and creative approaches to learning and teaching. If you want to get involved, you have to submit a proposal on the application form attached. We are inviting proposals from all Secondary schools but will be choosing just one school to work with. The proposal we choose is likely to be the one that makes the most of using the devices to promote and support the use of a Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) to:
As well as a focus on the above, we would also like you to identify how you would make use of at least four of the following:
In your proposal, you will need to address the following headings:
Please also include name, job title, school name, contact details, and headteacher approval and signature. We expect that the successful school will currently be using or have started to use a VLE, have a robust wireless network and a team of committed staff, such as e-Champions. Our objective is to work with you to explore the use of mobile technology to improve teaching and learning and provide opportunities for personalisation, independence, collaboration and communication using a VLE. We would expect to work alongside you, supporting as required, and develop a case study for sharing on the Tameside teaching and learning website. Each application will be judged on how well it meets our objectives and the strength and commitment demonstrated by the school team. The application form is attached at the bottom of this article. Please submit all applications to Jane Turner at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or post to Council Offices, Ashton-under-Lyne, eLearning Team. If you wish to discuss before you apply, please contact Jane by email or on 0161 342 5025. We will notify all schools of our decision by the end of May and would like to begin work as soon as possible after this date to plan for a September start date. The closing date for applications is Friday 30 April.
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