Welcome to the Easter 2008 Learning Platform eNewsletter

Please circulate this to all LP teachers

in your school

* Update of transfer of pupil and staff data to the VLE *

There is a need to update the transfer process for sending pupil and staff data to the VLE.

This updated routine will ensure that all schools are using the correct identifiers for user IDs to correspond to what is happening witin SIMS.net and Learning Gateway. We still have a few schools which have not yet implemented the automatic routine.

Please go to Supportnet, click on Files and search for Resource Number: 12783 (Learning Platform GUID Patch 9267). If you don't have a SupportNet account yet, follow the link and then click Register Now!

Unzip the files and look carefully at the document Do I need this patch? Some schools (especially those with very recent installations of Learning Platform) will NOT need to apply the patch.

The patch produces a file which must be returned to Capita for processing.

Return address details are in the instructions.

* Service Pack 12 will be put on servers during Easter break*

Service Pack 12 introduces improved functionality in 3 areas:

You can now Unsubscribe groups of students as easily as you Subscribe them
The Access choices you make for your course are maintained when you 'clone' a course
Student files can be exported from the My Files sore area in zipped format.
There have been background improvements paving the way for the export of Year Group and Whole SChool groups via the automatic IMS data transfer system

LP Advice sheets available

LP and IWBs - LP and Course Shells - Using the Virtual Locker - Classroom Assistants and LP - LP Entry and Basic Navigation - Preparation Advice (newly extended) -

Go to the Documents area of the Help Web site

New product demonstrations

Curriculum and Lesson Planner

Now available is a product demonstration for the new SIMS Curriculum & Lesson Planner solution. This, along with other product demonstrations are available here.

SIMS Learning Gateway

Also available now is SIMS Learning Gateway - a web based application offering teachers, parents and students access to basic SIMS .net data and routines (including direct access to Learning Platform) from any web connected computer in the world. It also allows a single log-in for ALL functionality, including the VLE. Find out more here.

Learning Platforms – DfES Guidance

The term learning platform describes a broad range of ICT systems used to deliver and support learning. The government’s target is that all pupils will be able to access a personalised online workspace, capable of supporting an e-portfolio, by 2007-08.

DfES 2005

The DfES has published booklets for primary and secondary schools providing clear policy and funding guidelines to support the use of learning platforms in schools. Titled ‘Learning Platforms – Making IT Personal’ - Secondary version available here; and Primary version available here.

Look out for funding updates and information on learning platforms in the monthly SIMS eNewsletters

SIMS .net Assessment Manager

An increasing number of schools are using the SIMS .net Assessment Manager module and more classroom teachers than ever are appreciating its reporting and analysis capabilities. There is a routine within LP which allows you to export a Learning Log xml file for your course which Assessment Manager can import for manipulation. More details are given here.

Have you used your LP Day 4 visit?

Schools typically buy a 4-day support package for LP. Many of you have not yet used up the 4th day. You can use this day for LP work; OR you can use it for a site visit for general SIMS .net support in any area you like.

To make a booking for either purpose, call 01234 838080 and ask to speak to the Professional Services Team.

Contact Us

We welcome any feedback from you about the content of the eNewsletter. If you have any comments or suggestions for content, please email the editor, Mike Lydiat.

Remember that the central Helpline number for all Learning Platform issues is 0845 600 2785 or you can contact them via email.