National Digital Infrastructure

The DfES vision for the next five years in ICT in Schools

Build a common digital infrastructure tosupport transformation and reform

Developing high-speed access to robust and sustainable e-systems for all organisations across the sectors based upon a common systems framework and technical standards for the software and systems needed to support the strategy, and providing best value ICT procurement frameworks that are available to all organisations

Harnessing Technology - Transforming Learning and Children’s ServicesDfES March 2005

Becta’s changing role and responsibilities

The DfES recently announced internally how it wishes to organise the future leadership of ICT for children and learners, and for the Department itself. 

Responsibility for delivering and developing the e-strategy will pass from the DfES Technology Group to Becta.  Becta has always been a key delivery partner for the e-strategy, and work has been gradually transferring over the last year.Moving lead responsibility to Becta for delivering the outcomes set out in Harnessing Technology is a natural next step.  Becta and the DfES Technology Group are working to ensure a smooth transition of roles and responsibilities.

National digital infrastructure

The national digital infrastructure is Becta's model for institutional networks. It has four elements which combine to deliver a vision for ICT in schools and colleges over the next five years.

                                                                                          

Data services includes data warehousing, management information systems (MIS) and a range of data mining tools.

Learning services includes the management, provision and availability of learning content.

Infrastructure services includes support of the system and the seamless integration of services.

Connectivity services links all elements of the model together, connecting institutions to the wider educational community and to the internet.

What will this vision achieve?The model aims to:1. improve data flows within and between

schools, regionally and nationally

2.unify interoperable systems which provide a stable platform for learning and innovation

3. reduce the technical burden on schools, allowing them to focus on the use of technology in teaching and learning rather than its management

4. introduce a coherent and reliable technology at an affordable and sustainable price.

‘Develop a modern, world-class curriculum that will inspire and challenge all learners and prepare them for the future’

Mick Waters, Director of QCA, explains the changes needed to explore a new curriculum design that fits

with the National Digital Infrastructure

the changing power relationship = Teacher-centred versus

child -centred curriculum

can the curriculum adjust and keep up?…learning about ICT…discrete ICT…learning with ICT… ICT used as a tool

will our assessment be relevant?

A need for

…better application to wider curriculum

…exploitation by pupils as well as entitlement

…better attitude to the power of ICT

…the curriculum driving the use of ICT

Challenges and changes •linear routes to qualifications or a new way?

•published resources threatened?

•‘power’ relationship changing- a new pedagogy?

Need toachieve this…

..but how

Awareness

Self-review

Advice

Guidance

Support

Tools

Policy, Standards,Requirements and

Specifications

Adoption by institutions

Framework Agreement

s

Build a common digital infrastructure tosupport transformation and reform

• Managed service approach• Products and services tailored

for education• TCO – better planning and

budgeting• Altering marketplace• Enabling aggregation –

savings in support, training and cost

• National standards with local choice

• DfES – policy and funding• Consultation – Local

Authorities, Schools, RBCs, Industry

• Trials and proof of concept• International developments

and standards

Coherent and reliable technological system that is affordable and sustainable

Embedded technology for learning

The Guidance• DfES e-Strategy: Harnessing Technology: transforming

learning and children’s services (March 2005)• Deliver broadband connections to every school and

access to National Education Network by 2006 (Nov 2002)

• put in place the necessary directory structures and services … Shibboleth identity provider software

• to assist schools in the purchase of National Digital Infrastructure services through aggregated purchasing using best value frameworks such as those provided by Becta – these include infrastructure services consultancy services, software licensing, interactive whiteboards, internet safety provision

• learning services• 2008 target for “every school learner in England having

access to a personalised online learning space with the potential to support e-portfolios”.

• by 2010 all schools will have integrated learning and management systems.

E-strategy: vision

Each individual maximises their potential through the personalisation of their learning and development