This is such a loaded question as the immediate implication is that ‘they’ are not, and more to the point it implies that there is a ‘them’ – which also means there is an ‘us’. As many within the Redbridge school community know I have worked as a member of Tech Support teams in several organisations before I trained as a teacher. I therefore have tremendous respect for the role. If you are a senior IT manager in a school it is, however, your responsibility to be self-evaluative and ensure that the Tech Support function is effective.
Showing posts with label technicians. Show all posts
Showing posts with label technicians. Show all posts
Tuesday, 26 February 2013
Is your Tech Support team any good?
This is such a loaded question as the immediate implication is that ‘they’ are not, and more to the point it implies that there is a ‘them’ – which also means there is an ‘us’. As many within the Redbridge school community know I have worked as a member of Tech Support teams in several organisations before I trained as a teacher. I therefore have tremendous respect for the role. If you are a senior IT manager in a school it is, however, your responsibility to be self-evaluative and ensure that the Tech Support function is effective. Wednesday, 13 February 2013
Switched on and Networked for Learning
The ICT Subject Leaders have been meeting and working together in Redbridge longer than I can remember. The Redbridge Technicians' Forum is a much younger community - starting just 4 years ago. Yesterday the two communities spent the day together...and they seem to have liked it!Thursday, 5 May 2011
Redbridge Technicians Forum - Thursday 19th May 2011
The Technician's Forum is open for all technical staff within Redbridge Schools to network and gain from some thought provoking presentations, opportunities to share good practice and find out what is going on in other schools across the borough. 
Your place will cost £35 (to cover administration, venue and refreshments) but if your school subscribes to School Improvement services there is no extra cost. This is very useful CPD at a very low price! Book your place now on the http://www.redbridgepdc.org.uk/ website.
This will be the 6th RTF meeting and on the agenda we will look at Microsoft's new licencing process, managing large projects and different ways to manage printing across the school. We will, of course, also ensure you are up to date with what is going on across the borough.
Feedback from the last meeting shows over 90% of attendees said it was 'worthwhile' or 'very worthwhile' attending. Delegates listed a variety of particularly good points, including statements like "all sessions had information relevant for my role", "[I valued the] professional input from suppliers" and "updating with local authority information [was] very useful". Book now on http://www.redbridgepdc.org.uk/!
Alex Rees
alex.rees@redbridge.gov.uk
(If you are not a Redbridge maintained school and would like to attend please contact us.)
Your place will cost £35 (to cover administration, venue and refreshments) but if your school subscribes to School Improvement services there is no extra cost. This is very useful CPD at a very low price! Book your place now on the http://www.redbridgepdc.org.uk/ website.
This will be the 6th RTF meeting and on the agenda we will look at Microsoft's new licencing process, managing large projects and different ways to manage printing across the school. We will, of course, also ensure you are up to date with what is going on across the borough.
Feedback from the last meeting shows over 90% of attendees said it was 'worthwhile' or 'very worthwhile' attending. Delegates listed a variety of particularly good points, including statements like "all sessions had information relevant for my role", "[I valued the] professional input from suppliers" and "updating with local authority information [was] very useful". Book now on http://www.redbridgepdc.org.uk/!
Alex Rees
alex.rees@redbridge.gov.uk
(If you are not a Redbridge maintained school and would like to attend please contact us.)
Monday, 18 October 2010
Course info: FITS training
The London Borough of Redbridge is an accredited FITS provider, and will be repeating the FITS Practitioner course 4 times this academic year.- 11-12 November 2010
- 23-24 February 2011
- 3-4 March 2011
- Cancelled: 31 May - 1 June 2011
- Replaced with: 16 - 17 June 2011
This course is a 2 day course for ICT technicians and network managers responsible for supporting the school's network. It provides a range of strategies and management approaches to ensure the delegates run an effective support service for their school. The benefits shown are recorded by schools who have already completed FITS training.
FITS is based on the industry standard ITIL framework and it is a certificated course with a formal exam on the second day. The examining board is SQA and the resulting professional qualification for successful candidates is NQF level 4.It costs £200 per Redbridge delegate and you can book online using the http://www.redbridgepdc.org.uk/ website.
Alex Rees
Monday, 10 May 2010
Book now: Redbridge Technical Forum 03 - Thursday 27th May
“Switched on and networked for learning.”
This conference is the third in a series of events set up for technical staff supporting and administrating the computer systems within Redbridge primary and secondary schools. The programme is designed to ensure that whatever previous experience you have – whether as an expert systems engineer or as someone completely new to the role – you will find the RTF of real value with relevant information and fresh ideas you can apply easily within your own school.
This term there is a definite hands-on feel to the day. The morning will be a mix of best practice sessions, LA news and Hardware presentations with suppliers bringing in a range of their latest greatest education friendly kit. The afternoon will include the popular 'In my school' slot followed by some really practical FREE tools that you take back to your school to have a positive impact almost immediately.
Registration will be at 9am for a 9:30am start, and the event will close at 3:30pm. To book a place at the Redbridge Technicians' Forum 03 please go to www.redbridgepdc.org.uk and search for "Redbridge Technicians".
Alex Rees
alex.rees@redbridge.gov.uk
This conference is the third in a series of events set up for technical staff supporting and administrating the computer systems within Redbridge primary and secondary schools. The programme is designed to ensure that whatever previous experience you have – whether as an expert systems engineer or as someone completely new to the role – you will find the RTF of real value with relevant information and fresh ideas you can apply easily within your own school.
This term there is a definite hands-on feel to the day. The morning will be a mix of best practice sessions, LA news and Hardware presentations with suppliers bringing in a range of their latest greatest education friendly kit. The afternoon will include the popular 'In my school' slot followed by some really practical FREE tools that you take back to your school to have a positive impact almost immediately.
Registration will be at 9am for a 9:30am start, and the event will close at 3:30pm. To book a place at the Redbridge Technicians' Forum 03 please go to www.redbridgepdc.org.uk and search for "Redbridge Technicians".
Alex Rees
alex.rees@redbridge.gov.uk
Sunday, 28 March 2010
Redbridge schools get faster internet
The teachers and students using the Redbridge Schools network are looking forward to having the service upgraded over the next few months. Schools' Network Managers and Technicians who have attended the Redbridge Technicians' Forum have already been briefed as to the 3 stage approach that is being taken by council staff to ensure that by September 2010 schools will all be benefitting from a faster service, with increased reliability.
Phase 1 commences over the forthcoming Easter break by introducing the latest switch technology across the Redbridge wide-area network (WAN) to enable faster traffic throughput. This will necessarily involve an anticipated 30 minutes planned downtime on the 9th April while most school staff are on the Easter break. Phase 2 and 3 will take place over the next term with the next planned downtime occuring during the half term break in the first week of June (half term).
Schools' technical staff will be kept up to date directly by Gary Jelks and teaching staff can look forward to seeing the improvements over the next term. There will, of course, be a further briefing on this project by Gary at the Redbridge Technicians' Forum on the 27th May 2010. If you would like to book to attend the forum please go to http://www.redbridgepdc.org.uk/ to register.
Alex Rees
alex.rees@redbridge.gov.uk
Phase 1 commences over the forthcoming Easter break by introducing the latest switch technology across the Redbridge wide-area network (WAN) to enable faster traffic throughput. This will necessarily involve an anticipated 30 minutes planned downtime on the 9th April while most school staff are on the Easter break. Phase 2 and 3 will take place over the next term with the next planned downtime occuring during the half term break in the first week of June (half term).
Schools' technical staff will be kept up to date directly by Gary Jelks and teaching staff can look forward to seeing the improvements over the next term. There will, of course, be a further briefing on this project by Gary at the Redbridge Technicians' Forum on the 27th May 2010. If you would like to book to attend the forum please go to http://www.redbridgepdc.org.uk/ to register.
Alex Rees
alex.rees@redbridge.gov.uk
Monday, 15 February 2010
Becta's Latest News and features
Becta's news is available on the Schools website.
Home access takes off...
Equipping our current and future generations with the necessary skills to compete in a digital world is crucial to our future. Through innovative programs such as Home Access, Becta is driving this development. Find out more about applying for the Home Access grant and take a look at some case study stories.
Get the bigger picture
How committed are you to ICT? Take our 30 minute survey and discover the impact that ICT is having in your school.
Has your school signed up to the Next Generation Learning Charter?
A booklet outlining the features and benefits of the Charter and the four stage journey towards effective use of technology is now available for schools. You can order or download the publication here. A map is also available which shows all schools on the Charter and the level they have achieved.
Upcoming improvements to the Self-review framework
We have been working on improvements to the Self-review framework which will be implemented this Spring.
Digital literacy: teaching critical thinking
This new publication aims to help teachers to teach the skills, knowledge and understanding that young people need to participate fully and safely in an increasingly digital world. The publication is accompanied by a planning tool which will help you to incorporate digital literacy into your teaching.
New secondary resource for online reporting
This booklet and interactive DVD provides substantial information around the online reporting agenda as an aid to secondary schools to help them meet the expectation of implementing online reporting to parents and carers by September 2010.
Get started with your learning platform
Used effectively, learning platforms open up learning opportunities for all pupils in school and extend learning outside the classroom and school. This publication presents the key steps to a whole school approach to learning platforms.
Are you a 21st century teacher?
Newly published ‘The 21st century teacher’ booklet is designed to help teachers develop their professional use of technology. You can also find links to helpful resources and an online self review checklist on our website.
Narrowing the gap
This report and accompanying videos focus on exploring the ways technology can support approaches to ‘narrowing the gap’ for low and underachieving learners in secondary schools.
2010 ICT Excellence Awards now open!
The 2010 awards are now open for entries until 24 March 2010. To enter your school, please complete our online application form.
Management information systems market review
Modern schools require sophisticated Information Management solutions to address ICT issues. We are conducting a review which will enable us to issue guidance on management information systems.
Procurement framework consultation
Over the past year, we have been looking at the best ways to allow you to put ICT services in place in a way which will support cash savings, efficiency and save staff time. Find out how you can input into the scope of this procurement frameworks consultation.
Becta launches new NVQs
We have launched the Framework for ICT Technical Support (FITS), providing National Vocational Qualifications (NVQs) to IT technicians in schools.
Home access takes off...
Equipping our current and future generations with the necessary skills to compete in a digital world is crucial to our future. Through innovative programs such as Home Access, Becta is driving this development. Find out more about applying for the Home Access grant and take a look at some case study stories.
Get the bigger picture
How committed are you to ICT? Take our 30 minute survey and discover the impact that ICT is having in your school.
Has your school signed up to the Next Generation Learning Charter?
A booklet outlining the features and benefits of the Charter and the four stage journey towards effective use of technology is now available for schools. You can order or download the publication here. A map is also available which shows all schools on the Charter and the level they have achieved.
Upcoming improvements to the Self-review framework
We have been working on improvements to the Self-review framework which will be implemented this Spring.
Digital literacy: teaching critical thinking
This new publication aims to help teachers to teach the skills, knowledge and understanding that young people need to participate fully and safely in an increasingly digital world. The publication is accompanied by a planning tool which will help you to incorporate digital literacy into your teaching.
New secondary resource for online reporting
This booklet and interactive DVD provides substantial information around the online reporting agenda as an aid to secondary schools to help them meet the expectation of implementing online reporting to parents and carers by September 2010.
Get started with your learning platform
Used effectively, learning platforms open up learning opportunities for all pupils in school and extend learning outside the classroom and school. This publication presents the key steps to a whole school approach to learning platforms.
Are you a 21st century teacher?
Newly published ‘The 21st century teacher’ booklet is designed to help teachers develop their professional use of technology. You can also find links to helpful resources and an online self review checklist on our website.
Narrowing the gap
This report and accompanying videos focus on exploring the ways technology can support approaches to ‘narrowing the gap’ for low and underachieving learners in secondary schools.
2010 ICT Excellence Awards now open!
The 2010 awards are now open for entries until 24 March 2010. To enter your school, please complete our online application form.
Management information systems market review
Modern schools require sophisticated Information Management solutions to address ICT issues. We are conducting a review which will enable us to issue guidance on management information systems.
Procurement framework consultation
Over the past year, we have been looking at the best ways to allow you to put ICT services in place in a way which will support cash savings, efficiency and save staff time. Find out how you can input into the scope of this procurement frameworks consultation.
Becta launches new NVQs
We have launched the Framework for ICT Technical Support (FITS), providing National Vocational Qualifications (NVQs) to IT technicians in schools.
Thursday, 11 February 2010
LGFL ICT Technicians’ Conference - 29th March
This packed, full day, conference will be helpful to all those who are involved in embedding or supporting the use of the wide range of LGfL services and resources now available to all London schools. The purpose of the day is to assist schools in gaining the maximum benefit from LGfL services, many of which are ‘free to schools’ having been provided region-wide by London local authorities working together as The London Grid for Learning.
Programme - 29th March 2010
Booking for places is now open by visit to http://www.events.lgfl.net/
Programme - 29th March 2010
Booking for places is now open by visit to http://www.events.lgfl.net/
Tuesday, 26 January 2010
Book now: Redbridge Technical Forum 02 - Thursday 11th February
“Switched on and networked for learning.”
This conference is the second in a series of events set up for technical staff supporting and administrating the computer systems within Redbridge primary and secondary schools. The programme is designed to ensure that whatever previous experience you have – whether as an expert systems engineer or as someone completely new to the role – you will find the RTF of real value with relevant information and fresh ideas you can apply easily within your own school.
Agenda:
Thursday 11th February 2010
Redbridge Teachers’ Centre
9am
Coffee & Registration
Morning
1. Hardware trouble-shooting
Some practical help with some real issues that are being encountered daily within our schools.
2. LA news
An update as to the ways the LA is currently supporting the work in schools, plus some featured LGFL services available in London.
3. Best practice
Using the current best practice guidance mixed with practical experience-driven common sense to give you a clear idea of how to replicate best practice in your school.
Lunch
Afternoon
4. In my school…
A case study of experiences from a colleague’s school. The obstacles, the solutions, the bit where everyone is smiling in the end!
5. New technologies
A series of short presentations on the latest technologies schools in Redbridge are considering and the issues surrounding them.
3:30pm
Close with Q & A
Booking can be completed online at http://www.redbridgepdc.org.uk/ or by emailing tina.pennells@redbridge.gov.uk.
This conference is the second in a series of events set up for technical staff supporting and administrating the computer systems within Redbridge primary and secondary schools. The programme is designed to ensure that whatever previous experience you have – whether as an expert systems engineer or as someone completely new to the role – you will find the RTF of real value with relevant information and fresh ideas you can apply easily within your own school.
Agenda:
Thursday 11th February 2010
Redbridge Teachers’ Centre
9am
Coffee & Registration
Morning
1. Hardware trouble-shooting
Some practical help with some real issues that are being encountered daily within our schools.
2. LA news
An update as to the ways the LA is currently supporting the work in schools, plus some featured LGFL services available in London.
3. Best practice
Using the current best practice guidance mixed with practical experience-driven common sense to give you a clear idea of how to replicate best practice in your school.
Lunch
Afternoon
4. In my school…
A case study of experiences from a colleague’s school. The obstacles, the solutions, the bit where everyone is smiling in the end!
5. New technologies
A series of short presentations on the latest technologies schools in Redbridge are considering and the issues surrounding them.
3:30pm
Close with Q & A
Booking can be completed online at http://www.redbridgepdc.org.uk/ or by emailing tina.pennells@redbridge.gov.uk.
Thursday, 17 December 2009
CPD opportunities in Redbridge
The following events are all confirmed to be running during the Spring term 2010.
If your school is committed to ICT then the "Whole School ICT Issues" workshops will be focused on Learning & Teaching (element 3) and ICT resources (element 7). You can register your school formally as "committed to ICT" by digitally signing the Next Generation Learning charter at https://selfreview.becta.org.uk/.
The last Redbridge Technicians forum was a tremendous success and the programme has been put together to make the 11 February 2010 a valuable day for all those involved in managing or fixing the technology that is in use within our schools.
The Primary ICT Subject Leaders/Coordinators meeting will continue next term, ably led by Nic Hughes (ICT Coordinator – Nightingale Primary / AST ICT) with some supporting acts. This meeting will now be for the morning of the 11th March – not the whole day as originally advertised.
Fronter are also running three courses aimed at those members of staff who administrate either the Fronter system or the school's website.
Central training events run by Redbridge ICT team:
Getting KS2 NQTs off to a Good Start in Primary ICT | 13 January 2010 |
ICT for Primary TA's Day Cohort 2 day 3 | 14 January 2010 |
Whole School ICT Issues Workshop - Element 3 | 26 January 2010 |
Whole School ICT Issues Workshop - Element 7 | 26 January 2010 |
Redbridge Technicians ICT Forum 2 | 11 February 2010 |
ICT for Primary TA's Day Cohort 2 Day 4 | 04 March 2010 |
Primary ICT Subject Leaders/Coordinators Termly Meeting | 11 March 2010 |
Teaching and Learning using the MLE | 24 March 2010 |
Courses run by Fronter trainers:
(there is a charge for these courses)
Fronter Adminstrator: Intermediate | 06 January 2010 |
Fronter Administrator Advanced | 27 January 2010 |
Webfronter | 03 February 2010 |
All these can be booked on http://www.redbridgepdc.org.uk/. If there are bespoke courses you would like to set up in your school do get in touch to discuss possibilities.
If you are not in a Redbridge school and would like to take advantage of these training opportunities we are happy to put you on a reserve list and will contact you nearer your chosen course if places are available.
Alex Rees
alex.rees@redbridge.gov.uk
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