GENERAL

SMART Notebook

Some people have been experiencing difficulties in opening some of the SMART files on the recent Framework for Literacy and Mathematics DVD that is currently available on the web and arriving in schools as we speak.

As the SMART Notebook resources on the CD have been made in two different versions of SMART Notebook we are recommending that you upgrade your software. Full details on how to do this can be found in the SDS ICT Curriculum area of the conference on OCN or you can download the software at http://www.smarttech.com

Digitalbrain

If you have been experiencing any issues with Digitalbrain suddenly closing down the browser as you are editing a page, you should download and install the latest version of the Flash player. This has resolved all the instances of this issue of which we are aware. You can download the latest version of Flash from http://www.adobe.com/shockwave/download/index.cgi?P1_Prod_Version=ShockwaveFlash

School Improvement Through ICT - Guidance for Governors

The National Governors Association (NGA), with support from Becta, have produced an eight page leaflet which is being posted to the Chair of Governors at every English maintained school. The publication reminds Governing bodies that they are responsible for promoting high standards of educational achievement and suggests that governors need to be able to monitor whether the school is using ICT effectively without necessarily having ICT specialists on the governing body.
In particular the publication summarises the part that Becta's self-review framework can play in helping governors and school leaders make best use of the ICT in the school.

Copies can be ordered directly from NGA (National Governors' Association), 2nd Floor, SBQ1, Smallbrook Queeensway, Birmingham, B5 4HG. A pdf copy can be downloaded directly from http://www.tmmuk.com/ngc/document_link.asp?id=98

GRAFTAs 2006

The closing date has now passed for this year's GRAFTA entries and we would like to say a big thank you to all schools that have entered. We look forward to viewing your entries.

Audio Network Ideas

Don't forget that Oxfordshire Schools have access to 3,587 high quality MP3 audio music files that can be used to enhance pupils' work and teachers' lessons. Full details of the license can be found at: http://www.ict.oxon-lea.gov.uk/audio/ The website to access the files is http://audio.lgfl.org.uk/

Idea of the Week: Tudor Battle - there is a piece of music called Gloriana which is Tudor / medieval in theme, slightly militaristic and dark. This could be used for an opening to a dance or drama preparing for a jousting tournament. The Chase could be used after this for the jousting as the music contains a tense percussive opening that builds into a blistering tom-tom pattern. Click on the music names to link to the correct sites.

PRIMARY

Video Conferencing

An elementary school in the US is looking for schools that would be interested in carrying out video conferencing with them. If this is something you would be interested in finding out more information about, please make contact with Paula Yezak paula.yezak@tisd.org who is a Distance Learning Coordinator from the US. You may want to visit their website at: http://www.tisd.org/videoconf/

If you would like support with Video Conferencing in your school you can contact Anna Foreman, ICT Team, Cricket Road 01865 428034 or anna.foreman@oxfordshire.gov.uk to arrange a Traded Service.

I-Board

I-Board has made their entire Christmas resource bank free to schools. They have increased the number of resources that can be accessed by schools, bringing the total to 20. There are four topics, which can be accessed and are suitable for Foundation Stage/Key Stage 1. You can view the free collection at http://www.iboard.co.uk/christmas

SECONDARY

KS3 ICT Test 2007

Note the NAA website http://www.naa.org.uk/tests/KS3_ICT_Pilot.html

Read the essential guide (4 copies should be in all schools by now, outlining responsibilities, etc.) Do not remove the 2006 toolkit to install the 2007 test and liaise with your exams officer for planning and logistics of tests.

Best wishes,

The ICT Advisory Team

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