1. Welcome to SWGfL Merlin The future of learning is here!

2. What is SWGfL Merlin? SIMS Your MIS Simplified Sign On Service User Directory Inter-operability data interchange Library Space CommunityPersonalVirtual Desktop VLE Your VLE Blog Wiki Forums etc. Tools E.g. Espresso Sam Learning Knowledge Box SWGfL Content Purchased Content Big Day Out uLearn Audio Networks …

3. SWGfL Merlin - A starting point … Building your school’s platform – plugging in your choice of tools An extended learning platform Tools Space Single Sign On Desktop

4. Simplified sign-on Transfer of accounts between schools Filtering and e-safety Integration of MIS Integration of a range VLE Communication and collaboration between all schools in the SW Discussions Range of themes and interfaces Wikis Blogs Search Calendar Targeted News Bulletin board Website creation Surveys Questionnaires Personal online space Interest groups Collaborative projects E-portfolio Parental password access Target specific users Storage of resources Sharing resources Chat Upload a range of file types MerlinVLE Assessment tools Timetables linked to VLE Resources linked to timetables Structured course builder Business systems MIS CV builder Off-line learning Whole school pupil tracking systems Pupil record systems Attendance Reporting systems Structured target setting E-ILP Learning Platform

5. What will SWGfL Merlin look like? Bespoke Early Years interface with full integration into SWGfL Merlin Simple access to tools and resources Age appropriate tools including simple word processor, online scribble tool, online diary Creation of e-books for sharing with class Functionality, tools and sharing controlled and managed by teacher Screen shots

6. Moving On… Additional tools and interfaces as pupils migrate to full SWGfL Merlin Customisable virtual desktop enabling personalisation of interface with themes, images, widgets E-portfolio can be shared with other users Collaboration spaces to share and communicate information ScenariosDemo site

7. Targeted news - publish and push news to specific users Shared calendars - share events with members Multiple calendars - overlay on to personal calendar to provide complete picture of events Alerts – opt to receive alerts when documents are added or changed Surveys – collect responses and feedback and display instantly as graphs Personal Online Learning Space Compatibility with Mobile Technologies (AKS) E-safety What will SWGfL Merlin do?

8. Benefits For Teachers Single access to a range of resources that can be customised for the exact needs of pupils Create and share teaching materials which can be accessed by students and colleagues anywhere and at anytime Support supply teachers with access to cover work and lesson plans Receive submissions of work from pupils Manage your diary, personal file space and receive targeted news within your personalised desktop space Opportunities to collaborate and share across departments, schools, LA and SW region.

9. Benefits For Pupils Access learning materials outside lesson time and from a variety of locations Store work and notes online for use in assignments, homework and revision, outside normal school hours Work at own pace with the potential to access a wider choice of learning styles and tools in a more personalised work space Create and share an online portfolio, including digital photos and videos of performance as well as text Submit work and assignments for marking or discussion Communicate, collaborate and participate in live discussions and forums with other students and teachers within a moderated, e-safe environment

10. Benefits For Parents Play a greater part in children's learning, where they have access to SWGfL Merlin from home Support children in learning which takes place outside school Share their child's online portfolio and view a showcase of their best work Communicate more effectively with teachers, school administrators and others supporting their child's learning Engage with wider school issues through online communication and shared spaces Become active partners with the school. Be reassured that their child is working within an e-safe environment

11. Benefits for Admin/Managers Simplified creation and management of accounts, user names and passwords through MIS system Ability to share up-to-date management information such as attendance and attainment Reduce the administrative burden on teachers by using transferable data Enable communication within school and beyond, on a one-to-one, one-to-many, or many-to-many basis Increase communication with parents. Forge closer links with other schools and agencies both locally and regionally

12. Benefits for LA officers Create and share materials which can be accessed by colleagues anywhere and at anytime Support colleagues with targeted access to confidential documents and information Receive submissions of work from schools and colleagues Manage your diary, personal file space and receive targeted news within your personalised desktop space Opportunities to collaborate and share across departments, schools, LA and SW region

13. Points to consider Is your connectivity reliable and fast enough for an Internet-based system? Do you have a budget to buy more equipment if needed? Can your staff demonstrate an awareness and confidence in the embedded use of ICT to support teaching and learning ? How will you ensure the security and safety of the users of the learning platform and their data? Do you have a AUP written into your school improvement plan that would cover SWGfL Merlin? Do you have a sufficient hardware for easy access to SWGfL Merlin from various locations within the school and home?

14. Finding out more For further formation and updates regarding SWGfL Merlin Visit the SWGfL website www.swgfl.org.uk/services/learning_platforms Subscribe to the SWGfL mailing list www.swgfl.org.uk/news_and_events/mailinglist.asp Contact your LA SWGfL Merlin key contact Linda Duffy l.duffy@dorsetcc.gov.uk l.duffy@dorsetcc.gov.uk Ph 01929 401812 Mob: 07881 802889