May 2012 update

It is with mixed feelings that I announce my retirement from my role. It has been a sad 12 months in the sense that I seem to have spent most of it going around switching off the lights - schools broadband, Phoenix, the old MyDesktop Learning Platform, ERIC etc. I am in discussions with Darlington colleagues about the continuance of the EVOLVE service to schools and academies, and new operational information will be shared with users of that service in due course. Other changes include the administration of the Platformfive Google Apps accounts for DBC colleagues will now be through Chris Bracken and the Information Management Team, eSafety guidance and training will fall to Gena Birchall and Janet Turner from the LSCB, and for those schools that are signed up with Northern Grid for their broadband services, I would remind you that they can also support your technology curriculum and eSafety development, either in house or through BT, their new partner. For the ICT Mark and the Self Review framework, please contact NAACE directly.

Thanks to everyone that has supported both the team and myself over the last 12 years, and I wish you all the best for the future.

Ray G

November 2011 update

Broadband Reprocurement: Statement from Northern Grid

"Northern Grid for Learning has identified BT as the preferred bidder for its broadband procurement.   We hope to sign the contract in the next few weeks.  This procurement has been successful in reducing broadband costs by an average of 20%.  This means that schools should see lower prices from 2012 onwards.  We are aware that other broadband providers are offering alternative solutions to schools.  We would advise schools to contact Northern Grid or their Local Authority before accepting an offer from a different provider.  We anticipate that a contract with BT will provide a robust and reliable service with the potential to reduce costs further in the future.  We will be able to provide you with more information in the next few weeks."

Mel Philipson, Northern Grid

(Darlington Schools have been invited by Northern Grid to a meeting at Morton Park; this has been arranged for 1.30 on Monday 5th December)

About Darlington Learning Technologies Services

As part of extensive Darlington BC restructuring during 2010-11, the Darlington Learning Technologies Team is no more. Gone, but not forgotten: John, Steve, Mik, Matthew, Ann, Mike, Joanna, Michelle, Lindsey and Lisa, and many others who rode along with us for a stop or two.

After 11 successful years, numerous national, regional and local awards, extensive hands on and behind the scenes support for schools ICT, various incarnations and a number of highly regarded publications, we are proud to have been in at the start of this exciting journey, and hope that in some small way we have helped you to develop your undoubted expertise in using modern technologies for learning and teaching. What a difference from the beginning, delivering basic word-processing courses for staff!

Schools are now encouraged to source their own Educational ICT support services, although I will still be available to provide some advice and guidance in the areas shown below. Contact me using the form on this page for further details.

Ray Green

Adviser for Learning Technologies

Education Services, Darlington Borough Council

Contact me directly for support in any of the following areas:

• LA Broadband services to schools 2011-2012 (through Northern Grid)

• E-Safety Policy & Practice (through Darlington LSCB)

• EVOLVE on line visits planning and tracking (working with H&S)

• Certain residual central ICT functions, including:

1. - MyDesktop & ERIC (to Sept 2011)

1. - Phoenix (to Jan 2012)

1. - Google Apps services for DBC staff (not schools) - ongoing