AISV: ICT

ICT

The Learning Federation Content - AISV now distributes a DVD of Learning Objects and Digital Resources twice yearly on behalf of the Le@rning Federation.

Enhancing Learning Through ICT - This programme aims to build teachers' confidence and capacity in the effective integration of ICT.

Microsoft Licensing Agreements - AISV is able to offer schools the Microsoft Select Licensing Programme.

Intel Teach Essentials Course - AISV hosted the Intel Teach Essentials Course.

Computer Technology for Schools Programme - The Computer Technologies for Schools project facilitates donations of surplus computer equipment to schools.

Cybersafety Issues and Initiatives - Explores young people's personal safety and wellbeing when using the internet.

Symantec Software Range - AISV is able to offer schools discount pricing on the Symantec Enterprise Software.

Microsoft School Resource Team - Microsoft has committed a new resource team to assist independent schools in the use of Microsoft products and services.

Adobe and Educational Software - AISV is able to offer schools competitive pricing on the Adobe software range.

Sophos Enterprise Solutions - AISV is able to offer preferential pricing on the Sophos Enterprise Software.

ATC: Toner Cartridges - AISV is able to offer preferential pricing in the supply of new and remanufactured printer cartridges.

Australian Film Resources Available Online - Two recently launched Australian websites have put film and media resources at the fingertips of classroom teachers.

Fresh Start for Donated Computers - The Fresh Start programme helps independent schools ensure their donated computers are properly licensed.

Free Software Resources - A list of free software resources.

Educational Resources - A list of educational resources.

The Learning Federation Content

AISV makes available to all its member schools a DVD with improved searching capabilities for Learning Objects and Digital Resources, as well as catalogues of the Learning Objects for teachers to browse. AISV is providing its schools with new content from the TLF twice a year.

What are Learning Objects?

Learning Objects are chunks of digital material - for example graphics, text, audio, animation, interactive tools - specifically designed to engage and motivate student learning. TLF learning objects are based on the most recent research into how children learn and how teachers can facilitate learning. They provide opportunities for multimodal learning not normally possible in the standard classroom because of complexity, safety, time or cost.

Descriptions of all learning objects released to date, together with ideas on how teachers are using them for teaching and learning, are available in nine curriculum areas. The DVD allows teachers to search for specific objects or browse catalogues to review Learning Objects for:

Science
Mathematics and numeracy
Literacy for students at risk years 5-9
Studies of Australia
Languages
Arts, design and technology
Business and enterprise
Early years
Indigenous Learning

What are Digital Resources?

In addition to interactive Learning Objects, TLF also makes available digital resources. A Digital Resource consists of a single item, such as a section of a moving image footage, an image of a document, line drawing, painting, or map, a photograph, an audio file of a song or broadcast, or a set of items. Each digital resource typically includes a Description, an interpretation of its educational value and acknowledgement of its source.

Licensing Arrangements for Independent Schools

The TLF has now provided AISV with the details of the permanent licensing arrangements for independent schools. To continue free access to TLF Content in 2008, schools will need to enter into a permanent agreement with the TLF via AISV. The Content will continue to be offered free of charge under these new arrangements.

Under its agreement with TLF, AISV is required to provide Victorian independent schools with information on the licensing conditions and to seek written authorisation from schools that wish to use TLF content.

Documents relating to TLF licensing arrangements are available for download from the AISV website at: http://www.ais.vic.edu.au/schools/services/index.htm.

Accessing TLF content

Over 150 Independent Schools in Victoria have been provided with TLF content from AISV. If your school does not have the DVD, please send an email request to tlf@ais.vic.edu.au.

For further information about TLF and its content, visit the TLF website.

Enhancing Learning Through ICT

In 2006, the pilot programme Using ICT to Support Literacy and Numeracy in Rural Schools utilised a train the trainer model. The focus was on improving the ICT capabilities in rural schools to support literacy and numeracy teaching. The programme was run in Gippsland and Northern, and South Western Victoria involving 15 schools.

Based on Deakin University’s 2007 research report, AISV delivered the Enhancing Learning Through ICT Programme to schools in Mildura and two outer suburban regions of Melbourne.

The programme offers teachers a five-day intensive professional learning experience which targets their individual curriculum needs. It introduces teachers to a range of ICT resources and provides them with the time to develop learning activities and sequences to use when they return to their schools. AISV intends to offer this programme again in 2008.

Click Here (PDF) to download a summary of the 2006 programme research findings.

Microsoft Licensing Agreements

AISV is able to offer schools the Microsoft Licensing programme. This programme allows all schools, irrespective of size, to access the latest Microsoft software at volume purchasing power and prices. Microsoft Licensing is designed to reduce the total cost of software ownership to schools and is only available to AISV member schools through the agreement. In addition, a school can enhance the value of software purchases with a Software Assurance option. This gives schools the opportunity to stay current with all Microsoft licensed software for a yearly subscription fee. Some of the benefits of the program include:

Compliance: All school computers and users are covered throughout the subscription term. This means a school is fully licensed for the use of the products you've selected.
Easy Administration: Subscription licensing eliminates the need to track licenses for individual School Agreement products on every computer.
Current Technology: With a school agreement subscription, a school is licensed to run the most current versions of software products included in their agreement. In addition to this, a school automatically receives media for products that upgrade during the agreement term.
Simple Budgeting and Purchasing: One annual payment covers all of the School Agreement products a school has selected for the year.

For a short presentation on Microsoft School Agreements, click here.

Visit the Microsoft School Agreement website.

For further information on pricing or accessing the Microsoft School Agreement, call Computelec on 1300 36 1988 or email ccd@computelec.com.au.

Intel Teach Essentials Course

In 2007, AISV hosted the Intel Teach Essentials Course. Teachers from a number of schools attended a five day intensive workshop to become Master Trainers for the Intel Course. The course gave them a solid foundation in ICT integration and inquiry-based learning. Master Trainers used backward curriculum design, creating essential questions to promote higher-order thinking. During the courses participants created ICT-rich unit plans based on their essential questions. Master Trainers returned to their schools to train other teachers in the Intel Teach Essentials Course.

Research conducted by Deakin University found that:

Teachers feel prepared to integrate ICT after this training. They not only rate the training positively, but report feeling more prepared to integrate ICT into their teaching after the course participation.
Teachers do something new when they return to their classrooms. A large numbers of teachers use their Unit Plans developed in the week long course with their students after the training.
Teachers’ involvement in project-based ICT integration is focused and sustained over time.

AISV will offer this course in 2008 to other interested schools. If you would like further information on the Intel Teach Essentials Course, visit the Intel Teach Website.

To register your school’s interest in the 2008 course, please email us at itmanager@ais.vic.edu.au

Computer Technology for Schools Programme

The Computer Technologies for Schools project facilitates donations of surplus computer equipment to schools throughout Australia. The project sources ICT equipment from both public and private sector organisations. AISV has been able to access some of this equipment for distribution to Member Schools.

The equipment donated to the project has included printers, scanners, modems, photocopiers, network equipment, monitors, servers and personal computers. All the personal computers being donated in 2008 will have a minimum Pentium 4 processor with LCD screen enabling teachers and students to use a wide variety of learning software applications.

To read more about the project, visit the CTFS website.

If you would like more information about accessing the project, please email us at itmanager@ais.vic.edu.au.

Cybersafety Issues and Initiatives

Changes in web technologies and the way they are used has given rise to significant issues for schools, teachers and parents about young people’s personal safety and well-being. Issues such as privacy, cyberbullying, identity management, addiction and predation are emerging as concerns that need to be understood and addressed by schools. These same technologies are also a source for a huge range of resources designed to raise awareness of these issues. Click here (PDF) to view a list of some of these sites.

Symantec Software Range

AISV is able to offer schools discount pricing on the Symantec Enterprise software. This programme allows all Member Schools to access the entire range of Symantec Enterprise software at a further 15% discount to its academic pricing.

Symantec is able to assist schools in the following software areas:

Endpoint Security: Protect your school from known and unknown threats and enforce security policies on laptops, desktops, servers and mobile devices in the areas of antivirus, anti-spyware, firewall, intrusion prevention and device control. Visit the Symantec website for further information on Endpoint Security.
Backup and Archiving: Protect, store, manage, and retrieve your critical information through efficient backup and archiving solutions. Visit the Symantec website for further information on backup and archiving solutions.

For further information on Symantec Enterprise Software, call Computelec on 1300 36 1988 or email ccd@computelec.com.au.

Microsoft School Resource Team

This year, Microsoft has committed a new resource team to assist Victorian independent schools in the use of Microsoft products and services. This new resource will be able to assist ICT staff in schools. The purpose of this team is to assist schools with discussions related to Microsoft technology.

Areas include product roadmaps, simplification of licensing, security and greater understanding of school technology priorities.

To find out more, contact Paul Hutchings, the Victorian independent education account manager on (02) 9870 2715 or email i-pahutc@microsoft.com.

Further Links:

Adobe and Educational Software

ASIV is able to offer schools competitive pricing on the Adobe software range and other educational software resources.

The current price list now includes site licensing options for a range of Adobe software titles and includes other educational titles such as:

Inspiration
Kidspiration
Crocodile Suite
Clicker 5.0

To access the latest pricing from Edsoft, click here (PDF).

Sophos Enterprise Solutions

AISV is able to offer preferential pricing on the Sophos Enterprise software range. The Sophos product range includes Antivirus and Adware protection as well as Email SPAM filtering. All AISV Member Schools are able to access these software solutions at a 50 percent discount from the recommended retail price.

Other benefits include:

All licenses purchased are based on 2000+ user Price Bracket - regardless of school size.
Multi year discounts - Buy a three year subscription for the cost of two 1 year subscriptions.
Free home Virus protection for all staff
Optional student laptop protection scheme
Simple and easy to maintain licensing structure

View further Sophos information at their website.

If you would like information on Sophos software pricing, call Computelec on 1300 36 1988 or email ccd@computelec.com.au.

ATC Toner Cartridges

AISV, in conjunction with ATC, is able to offer preferential pricing in the supply of new and remanufactured printer cartridges. A new initiative by ATC is the introduction of a Student Saver Club. Similar to book clubs, students and parents are able to purchase ink and toner cartridges at competitive pricing.

The Student Saver Club is designed to benefit both students and schools. For every $10 spent through the club, schools earn points that can be redeemed for sporting equipment.

For further information on the Student Saver Club, visit the ATC Web Site or contact ATC on 9931 9000.

To view a current price list of toner cartridges for schools, click here (PDF).

ATC Ultrasource

ATC introduces Ultrasource for member schools, the next generation in online ordering.

Ultrasource offers fast, simple and flexible online ordering giving member schools the the following benefits:

Multiple search options for fast product identification
Real time stock availability
Live on-line pricing
Live order tracking
Ability to create templates for easy reordering
View detailed product information,
Ability to set approval limits.

To set up an account, please visit www.ultrasource.com.au

Australian Film Resources Available Online

Two recently launched Australian websites have put film and media resources at the fingertips of classroom teachers.

Film Australia Digital Learning provides access to downloadable clips from Film Australia’s archives. Clips are matched with print-friendly, two-page resource sheets that include background information and classroom activities. The Digital Resource Finder makes it easy to find relevant clips across learning areas. Visit the Art Machine for a brief taste of what is available for teachers’ to use with their classes.

The Australian Film Commission’s Australianscreen Website contains information and excerpts from a wide selection of films, TV programmes, newsreels, animations and home movies produced over the last 100 years. The Education Collection has been developed by the Curriculum Corporation through the Le@rning Federation and is designed to help teachers and students make the most of the wide range of moving image resources on the site. Visit SuperFlu: Race Against a Killer for a sample of what is available for teachers to download through this website.

Fresh Start for Donated Computers

Has your school ever received donated computers that were delivered without the appropriate licensed operating system? Microsoft's Fresh Start for Donated Computers programme helps primary and secondary independent schools ensure their donated computers are properly licensed.

To access the programme, a school must satisfy the following criteria:

Computers must be received as a donation
Computers must be previously used
Computers, to the best of the school’s knowledge, must have had an original Windows operating system previously installed
Only personal computers with Intel Pentium III (or equivalent) and older processors are eligible for this programme
The school must retain ownership of the donated personal computers licensed through this programme and cannot transfer its Windows Operating System license to students or other external organizations

For further information on accessing the programme, visit the Microsoft Fresh Start Website.

Free Software Resources