Learning Platforms

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Learning Platforms
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Use of learning platforms in schools/colleges
http://www.frogtrade.com/index.phtml?d=324325
White paper studies on the use of learning platforms in schools/colleges
" ... all these schools/colleges are using a specific platform, but the studies have been done to look at the HUMAN attitude changes and work-process changes."

Grockit ...
http://www.grockit.com/
Grockit ... Grockit is Learning 2.0
Grockit is an online, interactive learning tool that brings students together to answer quizzes with other.
. Grockit is about questioning together. To this end, we are developing an online learning game where people can teach each other.
Grockit is creating a MMOLG (Massively Multi Player Online Learning Game) where people can connect to learn from each other.
Grockit features a chat room where students can talk with one another as they deliberate over questions. They can also award each other points for their insight.
Our organization is about the space where learning and technology meet. By combining our years of experience as teachers and developers, we are creating a place where learners can meet other learners.

Getting started with your learning platform
http://tinyurl.com/4nvhc9
Getting started with your learning platform: Advice for schools
Tried and tested small steps and essential considerations to help you get started with your learning platform.

Skaal - course management and learning support platform
http://skaal.ca/
Skaal - course management and learning support platform
The Skaal! course management and learning support software is designed to be user driven, flexible and simple. Developed by a course instructor and informed by the learning sciences, Skaal! overcomes familiar restrictions, difficulties, and user frustration native to some of the leading platforms.
Skaal! is built on open source technology, and is focused on:
* Promoting unrestricted access to course information, educational materials, and learner contributions
* Making instructional process transparent with access to class resources and discussions, lesson plans, and instructional process logs
* Facilitating technology-supported, guided expertise development in collaborative learning environments.

Learning Platforms Presentation (online video)
http://tinyurl.com/yrqvk8
Video of Learning Platforms Presentation
Full session given at the Naace All Members Conference by Domenic Volpe and Richard Campbell, from Heaton Manor School in Newcastle.
"In Heaton Manor their learning platform/digital environment has become the place all the teachers, admin staff and pupils are turning to, to make all sorts of work processes more effective.
Use of it has taken off much faster than they expected, with lots of members of staff are now developing different parts of the system, with paper-based processes being abandoned."

Resource Review Special - Learning Platforms
http://www.teachers.tv/video/21861
Resource Review Special - Learning Platforms (online video)
Resource Review is the place to update your knowledge about teaching resources; this special edition focuses on learning platforms and associated applications for both primary and secondary schools.
Roger Broadie, independent education ICT consultant, introduces six resources to the studio panel.
For primary:
* Kowari - a learning platform designed for younger children
* The Netmedia Learning Platform - a modular and remotely hosted platform
* Moodle - an open source, course management system
For secondary:
SIMS.net - a management information system designed for schools
* FrogTeacher - a self-contained learning platform
* Microsoft SharePoint - a collaborative portal technology
ICT expert Matthew Tosh puts the resources through their paces in the studio test lab before seeing some of them in action in schools.
Roger joins presenter Hermione Cockburn in the studio, along with panellists Ian Usher, e-learning co-ordinator for Buckinghamshire County Council and Ray Barker, director of BESA.

Secondary ICT Management - Choosing a VLE
http://www.teachers.tv/video/21853
Secondary ICT Management - Choosing a VLE .. Obnline Video
Director of e-learning at Queen Elizabeth School, Mark McNulty provides a frank appraisal of what's involved in rolling out a new learning platform. Mark has been working with a VLE for over two years. In this programme, he analyses the problems of converting reluctant colleagues and the pressing need to get the right IT support.
His candid approach helps ICT staff and leadership teams face the tough decisions they will need to make when choosing and then implementing a learning platform.
This programme also looks in detail at the debate around open source, free software and packages provided by the big commercial suppliers.

Campaign to avert learning platform 'mistakes'
http://213.232.94.135/merlinjohnonline/news.php?extend.182
Campaign to avert learning platform 'mistakes'
Concerns over problems facing schools in their drive to adopt learning platforms has led Cleveratom, an offshoot from the closure of the Ultralab research unit last year, to run it's own mini-campaign to provide schools with straightforward advice.

Preparing to purchase a learning platform
http://tinyurl.com/294wet
Preparing to purchase and implement a learning platform
To introduce a learning platform successfully into your school, you need to start with a good understanding of your school's educational needs.
You will need to develop a statement of requirements, which sets out what you want to do with your learning platform, and any specific local or technology requirements.
Once you have established your requirements, you can consider the type of underlying technologies that will support those needs.
Becta and other agencies have developed tools to guide you through the planning process and help prepare you for purchasing and implementation.
You will find links to these in the following sections ...

SchoolLife
http://www.schoollife.com.ph/
SchoolLife, is an Internet-based system which allows schools administrators to communicate with teachers, parents and students using Internet and SMS (Text) technology.
Our objective is to improve School-to-Home partnership by providing affordable solutions with the use of latest communication tools available.SchoolLife enhances School-Home communication by providing schools a system to organize and exchange school information among the entire school community.
SchoolLife ensures connectivity between school and home, all the time and at real time.Schoollife is a product of Acibe, Inc. an Internet Value Provider.
Company is based in the Philippines

Virtual Learning Environments in IB schools
http://tinyurl.com/2qhsjm
Virtual Learning Environments in IB schools
I.B. Asia Pacific Teachers Convention March 2007 (pdf of PowerPoint)

The ESF (Hong Kong) CLC
http://tinyurl.com/2ovtfd
The ESF (Hong Kong) CLC
I.B. Asia Pacific Teachers Convention March 2007 (pdf of PowerPoint)

A Guide to Learning Platforms for Busy Teachers
http://www.learningplatforms.info/
A Short Guide to Learning Platforms for Busy Teachers
Learning Platform(LP) is a generic term used to describe a range of integrated web based applications. These can include web pages, email, message boards, text and video conference, shared diaries, online social areas, as well as assessment tools.

Wikiversity
http://en.wikiversity.org/wiki/Wikiversity:Main_Page
Wikiversity : a free learning community.
Wikiversity is a community for the creation and use of free learning materials and activities.
Wikiversity is a multidimensional social organization dedicated to learning, teaching, research and service. Its primary goals are to:
* Create and host free content, multimedia learning materials, resources, and curricula for all age groups in all languages
* Develop collaborative learning projects and communities around these materials

InfoPro - Custom eLearning Solutions
http://learning.infoprocorp.com/products/products.html
InfoPro : a US-based eLearning solutions company, offering complete learning solutions including custom content development, mobile learning, learning management system, LMS, eLearning courseware development, Learning content management system, LCMS, multimedia development and process design.

Functional Requirements for Information Management (MIS)
http://tinyurl.com/mbwdh
Functional Requirements for Information Management (MIS)
Becta is pleased to invite you to take part in a period of consultation on its functional requirements for information management (including MIS). Attached is the latest draft, and we welcome your comment.
This document will be available for discussion and feedback until 30th September 2006. The document will evolve during this time with a final version being released after the consultation period.

Learning Platforms and Management Information
http://communities.becta.org.uk/technology/learningplatformsandmis/
Learning Platforms and Management Information
Delivering improvements in the use of ICT in schools.
Becta (UK) is working to develop personalised learning and the effective use of data in schools. The goal is to achieve cost effective, reliable and secure services that improve the management of children's learning and their achievements.
This area supports Becta's strategy to deliver a national digital infrastructure for education.

opensourceCMS
http://www.opensourcecms.com/
opensourceCMS
This site was created with one goal in mind. To give you the opportunity to "try out" some of the best php/mysql based free and open source software systems in the world. You are welcome to be the administrator of any site here, allowing you to decide which system best suits your needs.
The administrator username and password is given for every system and each system is deleted and re-installed every two hours. This allows you to to add and delete content, change the way things look, basically be the admin of any system here without fear of breaking anything.

LMS Wizdom
http://www.lmswizdom.com
Learning Management System India - LMS Wizdom (Learning Made Simple)
Learning Management System India, LMS, Training Management System, Online Training, Distance education management system in India, web based learning, WBT, web based training, ILT, Instructor Led training
Our powerful, 100% web-based LMS makes e-Learning easy. There’s no need to install software and no interruptions to your everyday operations. This fully outsourced LMS helps you manage the entire learning process-from enrolling learners and tracking their progress to delivering tests and reporting costs.

G-Cube Solutions
http://gc-solutions.net
G-Cube Solutions is an India based eLearning company specialising in design and development of custom content and learning technologies for electronic training purposes.
Our WisdomWeb Learning Suite is compliant to global standards of AICC and SCORM.

A Platform for Learning (video) (UK)
http://www.lgfl.net/lgfl/sections/leadership/web/events/pfl/
A Platform for Learning (video / presentations online)
These were a series of DfES funded events, hosted by LGfL, to inform London? schools of the current DfES strategy concerning Learning Platforms.
They provided an opportunity for school leaders to learn more about the embedding of such technologies into their schools development.
The presentations provided practical evidence of how the LGfL procured solution has benefitted London? schools, teachers and learners. The presentations are available online
Introduction: What is LGfL? | Using a Learning Platform | School Management | Preparations & Specifications | Resources and Support | Using a learning platform | Rationale | Using a learning platform |

The LGfL Learning Platform
http://www.lgfl.net/lgfl/sections/learningplatform/
The LGfL (London Grid for Learning) Learning Platform
Here you will find links to various support materials and information regarding the learning platform provided by LGfL for all London Schools.
LGfL has provided a learning platform for all users in education across London as standard since its inception. The winning concept was that staff and students should have a "digital brain". An online place where users could store their work, manage their email, check their dairy and create content.
Why do schools need a learning platform? | What can schools do prior to its introduction? | How can schools ensure best value from current learning platform provision? | How should schools approach the implementation of a learning platform? | What is a Learning platform? Some different approaches | Questions to ask commercial suppliers about Learning Platforms | The LGfL Learning Platform | The LGfL MLE procurement | 'Do-it-yourself' learning platforms | The educational theories behind open source solutions | The alternatives to 'DIY' solutions |

Virtual Learning Environments (UK tertiary)
http://http://ferl.becta.org.uk/display.cfm?page=76
Virtual Learning Environments VLE
Welcome to the VLE Focus Area. Virtual Learning Environments are increasingly becoming an important part of the strategy for delivering online and flexible learning. Many colleges already have VLEs in place, though relatively few are using them with large numbers of students. Some colleges are still trying to decide what VLE to purchase, using funds received from the NLN.
This Focus Area is designed to help you make the right decisions with respect to buying, implementing and using a VLE. It draws on the experience of many people, with nearly 20 case studies from colleges experienced in using VLEs. There is also an associated mailing list about VLEs, with around 720 members from FE and HE - please join to keep up to date with what's happening, share your experiences, ask questions, etc.

The MATRIX (UK) (school self review)
http://matrix.becta.org.uk/
The MATRIX (UK) (school self review)
Learning Platform functionality - This matrix has been developed as a response to the evolution of the learning platform functional specifications.
The MATRIX is an online tool, developed by NCSL and Becta, which facilitates self-evaluation and action planning. Use the matrix to review your current position against a set of levelled statements. There are examples available that place the statements into helpful scenarios and context. As you complete the matrix, an action plan, based on your results (which are automatically saved if registered and logged in), is produced. This action plan contains helpful support and guidance, which you may wish to consider.
Other MATRIX(s) available include
Adult & Community Learning | Assessment | Becta's self-review framework (ICT) | Curriculum | HOS (Hands On Support for the embedding of ICT in teaching and learning) | ICT Infrastructure | Inclusion | LEA | Leadership and Management | Leading Networks | Learning & Skills | SLICT |

Elgg : an open source learning landscape platform
http://elgg.org/
Elgg: an open source learning landscape platform
"Through the use of elgg, I hope to create learning environments for my learners that are reflective of the types of challenges they will face in real life - where learning is often "fuzzy" and nebulous, not static and structured."
The concept behind the system is to develop a fully customizable learning landscape. To achieve this Elgg is a hybrid of weblogging, e-portfolios and social networking. It is hoped this combination of features will provide an engaging environment for learners to create their own learning space and then connect to others, forming online communities of learning.
It is all about building up your own personal space, a personal record of all your work and experience, an aggregation of all content important to you - customised the way you want.
Use this to interact with others - search, find and/or create communities around similar interests.
Open source | free |

HT2 : CoursePortal LMS
http://www.ht2.org
HT2 : CoursePortal LMS
- incorporate web-based delivery into your training portfolio;
- monitor, track, test, evaluate and report on key training programmes;
- create effective,easy to use blended solutions that make the most of your existing training materials;
- don't get tangled up in IT technicalities and red tape;
- don't want to commit to major investment and long term software projects;
- a simple, effective, scaleable solution.
- a complete, web-based, fully serviced solution;
- provides everything you need to create your own eLearning courses using existing or new materials;
- enables you to create your own discussion groups, multiple choice tests, evaluation forms and questionnaires

Amaxus XML-based Content Management System CMS
http://www.boxuk.com/
Amaxus XML-based Content Management System CMS
Amaxus, Box UK's XML-based Content Management System (CMS), is a high-level XML Content Management System with the ability to drive multiple Intranets, Extranets and Internet websites. It currently delivers hundreds of thousands of documents and objects for organisations ranging from Chubb to the NHS.

Site@School : Content Management System (CMS)
http://siteatschool.sourceforge.net/
Site@School is a Content Management System (CMS) to manage and maintain the website of a primary school. It is Open Source Software, licensed under the General Public license.
- Manage a website without technical knowledge.
- Editors with a high "Word processor look and feel" rate.
- Pupils/teachers can have personal pages on the website. Teachers can check pupil pages before publication.
- An intrAnet for teachers (not accessible by the public).
- E-mail alerts can be sent to admins when pages are updated/created.
- Comprehensive manual with over 300 screenshots.
- Extensive number of available modules,
- Possible to create your own template
... plus more ...

iteachnet
http://www.iteachnet.org/index.php
iteachnet
LMS CMS a single solution to schools' Web-based learning and communication needs

Learning Platforms
http://www.oodles.org.uk/moodle/course/view.php?id=9
Learning Platforms
Information and definitions of Learning Platforms
Choosing a learning platform is not a decision that should be rushed or taken lightly. Here are some things to consider.

UniServity
http://www.uniservity.com/
UniServity In the education sector, we are a leading provider of learning platform solutions that enable collaboration between schools, teachers, students and the community, focusing on extended and enhanced learning opportunities for students and supporting wider school development. Customers range from small primary schools to leading secondary and specialist schools in 75 local authorities throughout the UK. The company currently works with one in ten secondary schools in the UK.
UniServity's unique Learning Platforms are being used by around 10% of English secondary schools, plus a growing number in Europe, Hong Kong, China and Australia
CLC

School Communication Systems (free for k-12 schools)
http://www.school-system.us
"School Communication Systems (SCS) provides the most affordable web-based intranet for K-12 schools. Free."
SCS gives schools access to an electronic school blackboard, file sharing, email, one touch communication, survey administration and a research database on child and adolescent development.
SCS is supported by corporate donors and advertising. Principals decide on which type of ads they wish school community members to see.
Institutions which become an SCS school receive their very own website, in addition to SCS technology.
SCS is completely web-based so there is no software to install.

Studywiz VLE
http://www.studywiz.com/
Studywiz is a Virtual Learning Environment for schools, designed to make eLearning intuitive and practical for teachers, students and parents. Created in collaboration with schools in the UK, USA, Australia and Asia, Studywiz?is being continuously developed and upgraded through input from school clients.
Studywiz?provides teachers with a controlled, interactive platform that enables them to use their existing resources in new and powerful ways.
Students in the local classroom or away from the school can access a rich variety of learning materials in a familiar browser environment.
Assignments, tests, ebulletins, word files, discussions and other forms of educational content are easily created and stored in a digital repository. These can then be easily distributed and shared with other teachers, principals and students protected with powerful access rights.

Elgg (LMS)
http://elgg.net/index.php
Elgg an open source learning landscape platform ... is a personal learning landscape with the goal of connecting learners, instructors and resources creating communities of learning.
Create your own weblog, journal, store of files like photos and Word documents, create communities, establish social networks, manage your online content.
Use Elgg to enhance reflective thought, your development, your resource base.
Share them with your friends, teachers, instructors and other Elgg users. YOU decide who can see what!
Sign up for a free account and test drive the system - all you need is a valid email address. If you like what you see you can use this Elgg as your hosted solution, or download the free source code and create your own installation!

Setting Up an E-Learning System : Wisconsin
http://www.techlearning.com/showArticle.jhtml?articleID=164300806
Setting Up an E-Learning System
When superintendent Bill Harbron of the Northern Ozaukee School District in Fredonia, Wisconsin decided it was time to offer more instructional alternatives to students and parents, an e-learning program seemed like the perfect fit. After researching and considering several options, he invited e-learning content provider K12 to present its program to his staff, and they were impressed.
Currently, they are in the second year of their e-learning charter school program, and while only seven of their traditional students attend the virtual school, they've acquired 603 out-of-district (open-enrollment) students ?along with the funding for those youngsters that make the virtual program self-supporting. The state pays them $5,500 per student, all of which supports the charter school.

Articulate
http://www.articulateglobal.com/
Articulate is the global supplier in rapid e-learning. Thousands of corporate, government and academic customers in more than 50 countries use our powerful, intuitive technologies to train and communicate rapidly, widely and effectively.
Develop e-learning courses, quizzes and surveys quickly and easily with one integrated, affordable solution.
Rapidly create Flash-based presentations and e-learning courses from PowerPoint.
Easily create Flash-based quizzes, assessments and surveys.
Organize, manage, deliver and track your rapid e-learning.
Access online activity reports of your presentations, quizzes and surveys.

ScribeStudio : eLearning Authorware
http://www.scribestudio.com
Web-Based: A 100% Web-based e-Learning toolset means you don? need to set up servers or download applications. Just log-in and get started! Point-and-click simplicity allows you to quickly add content, tests, and quizzes to your course and to create a customized Learning Site where your Learners access educational and training materials. All the tools you need to quickly create and publish e-Learning Programs and dynamic learning communities are now available through your Web browser.

E-Learning Networks
http://www.e-learningnetworks.co.uk/
E-Learning Networks UK
E-Learning Networks Limited are UK based experts at integrating sustainable e-learning or on-line systems of blended interactive and self paced distance education and training solutions for:
Schools, Colleges and Universities | Education and Training Providers | Commerce and Industry | The Community |
We focus on the implementation of virtual classroom networks linking schools and colleges live within an area, based on the pedagogic implementation of video conferencing embedded into the curriculum of local schools and colleges.
We have projects currently working across the 14 to 19 agenda in the UK which have been examined by Becta.

Elearning Development and Corporate Training Solutions
http://www.stylusinc.com/WebEnable/elearning_solutions/index.php
Stylus Systems, India has provided learning solutions to clients like World Vision and National Bank of Oman. The company boasts of some of the best minds and talent in India. Offering corporate training solutions, product demos, LMS software application development, CBT/WBT/Online Learning Systems, Instructional Design, Content Production/Integration, Repurposing of content and other learning solutions.

Learning Object Repository
http://www.edutools.info/lor/
Learning Object Repository
In February 2004, based upon the requests of a number of member institutions, WCET convened a new project to compare existing 'learning object repository' software in a manner akin to that already used in the well established Edutools CMS site. The six software products reviewed were chosen by the four project partners: the Utah Education Network, the University System of Georgia, the Virginia Community College System, and Virginia Tech.

Blackboard vs. Moodle
http://www.edutools.info/item_list.jsp?pj=8
Blackboard vs. Moodle
A Comparison of Satisfaction with Online Teaching and Learning Tools Kathy D. Munoz, and Joan Van Duzer of Humboldt State University (15 February 2005) Developer's Feedback Some interesting student data and Developer's Feedback -- worth a read if you have these two on your short list.
CMS |

Course Management Systems CMS Comparisons
http://www.edutools.info/course/productinfo/index.jsp
Course Management Systems CMS Comparisons and Product Information ... and REVIEWS

Shibboleth Standards System
http://shibboleth.internet2.edu/
Shibboleth Standards System .. NOT a VLE
When you want to share secured online services or access restricted digital content, the Shibboleth system offers a powerful, scalable, and easy-to-use solution. It leverages campus identity and access management infrastructures to authenticate individuals and then sends information about them to the resource site, enabling the resource provider to make an informed authorization decision.
Shibboleth, a project of Internet2/MACE, is developing architectures, policy structures, practical technologies, and an open source implementation to support inter-institutional sharing of web resources subject to access controls. In addition, Shibboleth will develop a policy framework that will allow inter-operation within the higher education community.

An Introduction to Learning Platforms (Becta pdf)
http://tinyurl.com/7zomt
An Introduction to Learning Platforms (Becta pdf)
As an introduction to learning platforms, this publication aims to make clear the potential value of electronic learning environments and the issues associated with them. It provides guidance, supported by practical examples, on how to ensure that a learning platform has both clarity of purpose and the confidence and commitment of its users.
Purchasing and implementing a learning platform ?a checklist | Benefits of learning platforms | Procurement advice | A collaborative approach to development | What does a learning platform look like? | Points to consider before implementing a learning platform | Future developments |

Learning Gateway
http://www.edvantagegroup.com/LearningGateway.html
Edvantage group's "Learning Gateway" is our wholly developed and owned platform, creating cost efficient, e-Learning solutions, which can be fully customised to organisations' corporate image.
Most Learning Portals are built around a single vendors' range of content partners, seamlessly integrated alongside own bespoke content.
Edvantage group's Learning Gateway supports both standard AICC / Scorm, together with non-standard content. Within Learning Gateway, activities, content and users are easily managed through the Management System, which also provides MI Reports to HR systems enabling accurate ROI analysis.

Becta? Learning Platform Interoperability LMS
http://www.becta.org.uk/learningplatforms
Launched in January 2005, Bectas (UK) Learning Platform Interoperability (LMS) Scheme enables users to review learning platforms and the functionality they offer, using a common vocabulary.
The scheme is working towards getting all learning platforms to adhere to accepted international standards and to provide interoperability at agreed levels.

An introduction to learning platforms for school leaders
http://tinyurl.com/bzppy
An introduction to learning platforms for school leaders
Aimed at school leaders and decision makers, this publication introduces the features and benefits of learning platforms and highlights key questions to ask before purchasing one.
BECTA Publication .. can be downloaded for free
The model shows some of the key benefits that can be achieved by certain user groups.The information aims to help school leaders both to understand the potential value of learning platforms and also to decide how to structure their implementation.

HotChalk (only in USA)
http://www.hotchalk.com/
At HotChalk, our mission is to improve the lives of secondary school teachers. HotChalk automates the work involved in lesson planning, assignment distribution, and collection and grading. HotChalk makes communicating with parents easy, helping teachers, their students, and parents work together to produce measurable academic results.
HotChalk provides secondary schools with the HotChalk Learning Environment, HotChalk Teaching Pad laptops and the HotChalk WalkAbout Wireless Network for free*, using an advertising-supported business model (*a school must have a minimum of 300 students enrolled in grades 6-12 in order to qualify as a HotChalk Network school).
With the patent-pending HotChalk Community Standards Engine, each school can control which ads students see, and determine which ads are shown.

LMS-Portal
http://www.lms-portal.com/
LMS-Portal, an E-learning platform is a tool that has the power of Communication, Organization, Management and Training.
LMS-Portal is a platform for implementing e-learning initiative in schools and colleges that will coordinate and manage the demands of the E-learning. LMS-Portal aims at complementing the efforts of the schools and colleges to impart better education.
LMS-Portal will create an E-learning environment for schools and colleges for sharing information and creation of knowledge with an amazing range of choices to make E-learning a more suitable and appealing resource.

MLE VLE LMS CMS LSS Area at Wikipedia
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Learning_Management_System
MLE VLE LMS CMS LSS Area at Wikipedia
A Managed Learning Environment (MLE), Virtual Learning Environment (VLE), Learning Management System (LMS), Course Management System (CMS), or Learning Support System (LSS) is a software system designed to facilitate management and student involvement in e-learning.
Facilities | Packages available | Problems | Advantages of MLEs | Open Source MLEs | List of Open Source MLEs |

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