10:55am Wednesday 21st May 2008
EVERY school in Hampshire is set to have a new on-line learning platform.
Hampshire County Council has signed up with educational software provider Etech to provide Studywiz, a secure on-line learning platform, to 530 primary and secondary schools across the county.
The idea is to help classrooms keep up with the latest technology and appeal to techo-savvy children who may be switched off by schools not relevant in the digital age as well as those with special educational needs who respond well to audio and visual aids.
Educational information of all types, including lessons, can be stored and shared by pupils, teachers and parents inside or outside the classroom Handheld devices such as mobile phones and Ipods can be used to access classwork and homework.
Designed especially for schools, Studywiz is a safe online environment controlled by the teacher with children able to do collaborative and independent work. Features include messaging and voting functions.
Karen Fasseau, a manager in the children's services department, said: "Our vision is about opening up new and exciting opportunities for children and teachers and the wider school community. We want to be able to encourage and support innovation within the curriculum. It is vital that we are able to promote independent and accessible learning for every child in the county."
The first 100 schools will get the new e-learning software in September with the rest to follow over the next five terms.
Mike Damiano, UK manager of Etech, said the decision by Hampshire County Council will open up new learning experiences for pupils and teachers with Studywiz already being used in 20 countries across the globe.
He said: "Each school will be able to communicate with other schools in Hampshire using Studywiz. However, we are also linking them up so that they can connect with schools world-wide."
Eight other education authorities in the UK have bought the software for schools - Slough, Warwickshire, Worcestershire, Kent, Dudley, Barnsley, Oldham, Edinburgh.
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