What is a Learning Platform? 'The term 'learning platform' refers to a combination of IT services that support teaching and learning. Through a learning platform, hardware, software and supporting services are brought together to enable more effective ways of working within and outside the classroom.' (DfES Learning Platform Guidance for Schools). The Government expects all schools to use a learning platform by 2008.

That’s a big statement – what does it mean?

When we talk about learning platforms, virtual or managed learning environments we usually mean

· On line ‘virtual learning’ – teachers can ‘push’ activities to specific and groups of students and they can ‘pull’ activities and resources as and when they need them.

· Access to learning resources – these can be developed by teachers, learning communities or commercial providers and available via the platform.

· Management information systems integration – increasingly there is an expectation that all the information currently available through a school’s MIS (eg SIMS) will be available via a web based learning platform allowing teachers, for example, to access and update assessment details from home and school.

· Remote secure storage – for all users to store their files and work, including e-portfolios for students. Although some schools opt for a school based system we believe that remote web based storage with full disaster recovery and back up provided by a commercial partner is the more appropriate solution.

· Communication – a range of communication tools including calendars, forums, blogs, email, notice boards etc. can help improve school organisation in addition to supporting students’ learning.

This is all rather sudden isn’t it?

No, not really. There has been a progression from those early days when teachers realised they could share and adapt activities with colleagues by using portable storage devices such as floppy disks. As schools developed networks this sharing could be extended across the school and sometimes between local schools. Today, with sophisticated website functionality and reliable high speed internet access, learning platforms can support all members of the learning community from governors to parents and head teachers to learners.

So, does my school have to have a learning platform?

Well, yes. The Government has been quite clear about this and 2008 is the key date to work towards.

Any background reading?

Yes...... click here to access the 'Every Child Matters: Green Paper'

...or click here to access the 'Five Year Strategy for Children and Learners'.

...or click here to access the 'Harnessing Technology: Transforming learning and children's services.'

...or click here to access the 'Higher Standards, Better Schools For All'

...or click here to access information on 'Personlised Learning'

You can alse read more about Learning Platforms here: Learning Platforms Guidance for Primary Schools Learning Platforms Guidance for Secondary Schools BECTA's essential guide to Learning Platforms

So, are there any standards for learning platforms?

Yes there are. Becta has done a lot of work in this area developing:

Technical specification

Functional specification

Becta Learning Platform Framework

Tell me about the Northern Grid for Learning’s learning platform.

In partnership with local authorities, technical and curriculum specialists across the region and The Adit, NetMedia was identified as the preferred learning platform provider. This means that all state schools in each of the partner local authorities have access to this learning platform.

Do I have to use Netmedia’s platform?

No, all schools are free to use any platform that best meets the needs of their community.

Reasons to try NetMedia’s learning platform include;

Value for money. By procuring for a group of local authorities the cost has been very significantly reduced with the average price for secondary schools in the region of £3,500 per annum and £1500 for primary schools.

Community of users. Schools across the region can share resources, communicate and collaborate with individuals, groups and schools across the partner local authorities.

Product development. All learning platforms are still in development, refining the functionality and capabilities and by representing many local authorities and their schools we can have a clear impact on the areas of future development of the service.

Okay, so what exactly has this platform got to offer?

Click here for a brief look at these features.

Who do I need to contact to start using the learning platform?

To find out the appropriate contacts for your Local Authority, click here to go to the contacts section or click the contacts link at the bottom of this page.

The Northern Grid, in partnership with local authorities and teachers is developing and sharing learning resources through the learning platform. This area of the portal will continue to develop and provide information on the development of these resources for all teachers in the Northern Grid region. Update information can be accessed by clicking on the Updates link below.