eLearning

eLearning

 

This page will help to answer the following questions about eLearning:

1. What is eLearning?
2. What is a VLE?
3. What is Studywiz?
4. How is eLearning accessible to my child?

 

 

What is eLearning?

Put simply, eLearning is learning through a computer / laptop and can take place with or without an internet connection, depending on the task. 

 

Examples of eLearning without the internet

• In school we have lots of software that has a site licence, meaning that it is installed on all computers.  An example is 2Simple which children use to complete activities specified by their teacher. They can then save and print their work. 

 

Examples of eLearning that requires an internet connection

• Children use educationcity.com to complete English, science and maths activities. The teacher selects specific activities for the whole class, groups or individuals to complete.  The children do the activity and save their score.  The teacher can track pupil progress for each activity.

• The spelling and maths tests are new features to our school website and have been introduced pupils in some classes.  The whole school will be shown how to access their spellings online in the near future.  The screenshot below shows an example of spellings that can be practised online.

 

• Using a VLE…

 

What is a VLE?

A Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) is a standardised, computer-based environment that supports the delivery of web-based learning and facilitates on-line interaction between teachers and pupils, (Becta 2003).

Typically, a VLE has a variety of components designed to assist in classroom learning as well as enabling pupils to gain remote access from any internet connection. This means that it can be accessed from any computer with internet access in the world. 

Our VLE is password protected to ensure a secure, closed environment which prevents unauthorized third-party access.

 

 

 

What is Studywiz?

After carefully considering the VLE’s available, our school signed up with Studywiz which is an International company marketed as ‘the world’s easiest learning platform’.

Studywiz is a VLE which allows pupils to learn 'anytime and anywhere', helping to develop communication between pupils' and teachers.  Teachers put lessons, links to webpages and key documents onto Studywiz so that they can be accessed in lessons and out of school.

Some of the many things that children and teacher’s can access on Studywiz are:

 

Below is a screenshot of a resource created in Studywiz that has links to a video clip.

 

 

 

How is eLearning accessible to my child?

 

In School:

 

• Interactive Whiteboard in every classroom.
• 90 laptops for use by children which almost equates to a ratio of one laptop to every two children. This ratio is better than the target set by the Government in 2004 of 1 computer to every 8 children, (Fettes, 2007).
• Wireless network (allows children to access their documents, the internet and printer without cables).
• 2 DS Consoles and maths / brain training games in Years 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6.

 

The number of computers demonstrates the school’s vision of using ICT to enhance pupil’s learning and enjoyment. We are continually looking at ways to improve our ICT provision.

 

 

At Home:

 

If you have an internet connection at home, your child will be able to access Studywiz online (studywiz.barnsley.org).  If you do not have a computer / internet connection, your child can access Studywiz at the library or during lunchtime at school (upon arrangement with their teacher).

 

 

 

 

References

 

Becta (2003) Virtual and managed learning environments [Online] Available http://foi.becta.org.uk/display

 

Fettes, D. (2007) Computers the pupil ratio. [Online] Available www.lists.becta.org.uk/pipermail/sld-forum/2007-May

 

 

 

Written by R Tate, March 2008. Amended November 2008.