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A vision for cluster collaboration
Ashford Rural Cluster Learning Platform project
The Ashford Rural Cluster (ARC) is exploring learning platform technology in partnership with RM, using the RM Learning Platform.
Donna Rogers, Project Manager for the ARC, is working with the cluster to encourage them to share resources, ideas and support to ensure that the ARC vision for 'Cluster Collaboration' is a success.
"The nineteen primary schools taking part in this two year pilot project are keen to provide a personal online learning space for every learner, with the potential to support a personal e-portfolio." says Donna. "This will enable learners to manage and personalise their learning within an educationally-rich, safe environment, providing access to subject-related interactive content appropriate to the learners' needs."
Project Aims
- Collaboration within ARC primary schools
- Pool of teacher created resources, links and ideas
- Communication at your fingertips: 'Announcements, News and Events' relevant to your cluster / school, maintainable by all
- Open dialogue for questions, help, advice and tips through 'Discussion Forums'
- Raise quality and standards while 'Saving Our Sundays'!
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"Students will be better equipped for life in a world where 80% of their jobs have not yet been invented; where offices are global and never close; collaboration and the ability to constantly re-learn new skills are the norm, and where adaptable, flexible learning is essential" -Mr Rule, Head teacher, Pluckley CEP, Ashford, Kent. |
How ARC will achieve this
Donna explains how the ARC will achieve its vision for cluster collaboration.
For teachers
The Cluster home page holds a wealth of articles, news, features and links relevant to what's happening in the schools. Saving hours of 'browsing time', a place for information to come to you, posted by like minded local teachers - now isn't that refreshing?.
Several sub-groups explore specific 'Interests' - this forum alleviates the need for regular 'out-of-class diary juggling'. The group teachers can post news and announcements, but more importantly, they can catch up on 'Discussions' by adding questions or ideas for all to see and participate - no more round-robin emails! Once the 'Interest Group' resolves the focus topic their contributions are added to the 'Cluster Curriculum Pool' for Foundation or 5-11 years.
Each one of us has a subject we enjoy the most; imagine if each ARC teacher added this to the cluster pool! The service is then returned in kind by using the extensive search facility when they need inspiration. Each secure logon links the user to their specific school, making all of the above features relevant on a local level with the added facility of an online calendar!
For learners
Celebration of achievements creates critical thinkers. There is no greater motivator than an audience, no better audience than family. No better self evaluation process than choosing which piece of work you want them to see. Suddenly the need for reading through work and editing becomes clear!
For parents
No need to wait for the parent and open evenings or school visits, each child's work is available through their personalised e-portfolio (electronic folder). Accurate, contactable details without more paperwork. Check out the term dates and events through the school calendar while you're online!
Parent accounts will not become live until term 5/6 and are restricted to private family members details and e-portfolio: available only in selected schools.
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Small Schools - Ambitious Plans Within the ARC, a significant number of schools are both small and rural. Find out how new technologies are helping to bring these schools, the staff and pupils closer together, enhancing learning and improving communications. |
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Home School Partnership High Halden CE Primary School believes that to deny children equal access to ICT is to deny them a vital tool for learning. Find out how the ARC project supports the home-school partnership. |
