E-Learning+Strategy

International School Dhaka
= = =E-Learning Strategy=

**Preamble**
This is not just a technology plan detailing what we get and where it is placed in terms of hardware and software. This eLearning strategy determines ISD’s approach to teaching and learning and sets the standards and requirements for delivery and management of educational objectives using learning technologies. This is a school-wide strategy on eLearning, including mobile and one-to-one computing, and aims to promote the goals and objectives of ubiquitous computing and best-practice use of technology across the campus. The goals and objectives are directly linked to the vision for eLearning.

A vision for eLearning
Our vision is one where technology is a natural and essential part of everyday school life for both teacher and student. ISD acknowledges the value of eLearning in providing better opportunities for teaching, learning and its management in ways not otherwise available. Furthermore, these opportunities will offer substantial improvement in access, experience, achievement, scope and quality of the learning experience. Technology is not an end in itself but a tool that can make enormous advances in the quality of teaching and learning for all.

===Definition: Coming towards an understanding of eLearning E-learning is an approach to facilitate and enhance learning through, and based on, both computer and communications technology. E-learning may also be used to suit distance education through the use of the Internet, and may also be considered to be a form of flexible learning where just-in-time learning is possible. Essential components of eLearning include:===
 * The use of online technologies including Internet and email in the learning process
 * The use of learning technologies to enhance the learning experience for all

Objectives

 * 1) To improve effectiveness of program delivery and administration through the inclusive use of learning technologies and eLearning.
 * 2) To encourage all students to develop their eLearning and digital literacy skills and in turn to use these skills to augment the learning process.
 * 3) To encourage all staff to develop their eLearning and digital literacy skills and to participate in just in time ICT professional development in order to confidently integrate pedagogically appropriate eLearning objectives and tasks.

This plan attempts to support these objectives. = =

Resources and Services
Access to resources · All teachers will have access to a desktop PC at work (not always on a one-to-one ratio). This may be in an office, a teacher resource area and/or a teaching room · All teachers will be encouraged to adopt one-to-one computing objectives and take advantage of the ISD purchase scheme to own a laptop and/or handheld computer ISD will provide necessary licensed educational software for these devices · All administrators including SMT and coordinators are encouraged to model the one-to-one computing objectives and have access to the following: · All teachers are encouraged to use mobile technology in the classroom including laptops and handhelds. Those teachers willing to provide a self-owned laptop on a daily basis will be provided with incentives (e.g. a portable hard drive (40GB) for backing up data). Handhelds will be available for staff loan with Grade 6 and 7 teachers given priority · All teachers will have access to digital resources on a shared basis including printers, data projectors, digital cameras, recording and playback devices, tablet PC, scanners · All teachers will have access to networked resources via the wireless LAN Access to services · All teachers will be encouraged and supported to develop digital literacy and gain an IT literacy standard as specified by ISD (e.g. International Computer Driving License) · Professional development sessions will be offered to all teachers for eLearning objectives that are directly relevant to their use of ICT tools for administration, communication and curriculum at ISD · Integrating mobile and ubiquitous eLearning objectives into everyday teaching should be a priority for all teachers · All teachers will have access to IT Support for advice and guidance with technical requests and problems = =
 * A handheld device (self-purchase or school loan, e.g. Palm TX model that can access resources via the WLAN) for administrative and curriculum use
 * A laptop computer (self-purchase)
 * Office space with provision for hard-wired network access for a self-owned laptop and a monitor to connect to the laptop (LCD)

Student Entitlement
Access to resources: · All students at ISD will have access to a desktop PC either in their classroom, in the library or in a computer resource area at ISD · All students at ISD will have access to networked resources through school PC’s or privately owned devices In addition to this: · All students in Grades 6 and 7 will carry a handheld computer. Those with WLAN capability will have access to the school network · All students in Grades 8 and above will carry a laptop computer and have access to resources via the WLAN (note 2006-2007 will be a transition year for introducing laptops in grade 8). The laptop is to meet minimum specifications · All handheld and laptop students will pay a software users fee and have required software made available for their device · Depending on the curriculum need, all students will have access to other IT resources such as printers, data projectors, digital cameras, scanners, recording and playback devices Access to services: · All students will have access to IT Support for handheld and laptop configuration and trouble-shooting

**Whole** **School****: Policies and standards**
· All teachers, employees and students are to observe existing ISD acceptable use policies and guidelines for the use of networked resources including server access, Internet access, printing and email · All teachers and students are to observe the acceptable use policies for mobile computing including laptop and handheld use