The great news is that ICT resources in UK schools are now at record levels. All UK primary and secondary schools now have a broadband connection to the internet and a growing number of schools can also offer what is called a 'learning platform'.
What are learning platforms?
A learning platform provides opportunities for extending learning both in and out of school. Students, parents, carers and school staff can access resources, online storage and tools for communication, collaboration and showcasing.
Learning platforms offer a combination of services available over a network such as a school intranet or the internet. Staff, children and parents log in with a password to access a range of different services and resources. These are individual to each school, but typically include pupil information, online learning resources, pupils’ work files and communications tools.
How learning platforms are used in school
Schools use learning platforms to support the curriculum in many different ways. For example:
• In English, a teacher can put a presentation about two poems used in class on the school’s learning platform. Students can access these at revision time.
• In RE, a school’s learning platform could host an online Q&A facility linked to an overseas charity worker. Students can ask questions and follow answers to help with their assignment.
• In art, the teacher can post a link to videos giving demonstrations on techniques being studied. Students practise the techniques as homework.
How can a learning platform support my child’s learning?
As well as helping teachers in their day-to-day work, learning platforms offer benefits to you and your children. For example, learners will be able to:
• access learning material outside the classroom
• submit homework and assignments for marking and assessment
• store work and notes in their own personal learning space
• take part in live discussions with other pupils and teachers.
As a parent one of the benefits the learning platform offers is the opportunity to share in the activities and work of your child and to support their development.
Learning platforms in practice
St James C of E Junior School used its learning platform to share information with parents when Year 6 pupils went on a week-long residential trip to the Isle of Wight. They took photos and video footage, made sound recordings and published these on the learning platform.
Wikis, blogs and web conferencing encouraged the children to share their experiences online. “It was great to hear what happened on Friday and to see the group picture and video,” said one parent. “It was a good idea and a credit to the school.”
Interested in finding out more?
Why not download the PDF file 'Get started with your learning platform', the new guidance and advice from Becta on making the most of your learning platform.
PDF - To view this file, you need Acrobat Reader. If it isn’t already installed on your computer, you can download it for free from the Adobe Acrobat site: Download Acrobat Reader. The download is typically between 4MB and 8MB. Just follow the onscreen instructions.