The PDF document is available at – www.TeacherNet.gov.uk/Publications – then search for Learning Platforms. The advance of the schools learning environment has come comparatively late, almost playing catch up with the multimedia home environment. Most children are familiar with using video and the Internet at home; consequently pupils readily embrace the new integrated multimedia elearning opportunities.
Video on Demand
Akhter welcomes these recommendations and has been supporting ICT coordinators in the growth of their computer infrastructure for over a quarter of a century. We are now prepared with a unique solution for this next major advance, that is about to transform the schools learning environment. For teaching staff, the new approach can transform the preparation and simplicity of delivering lessons. The old way involved a teacher booking out videos or DVDs from a library, wheeling a TV into a classroom, winding the video to the portion required and then returning the item. Contrast this with advanced video on demand over the intranet delivery system such as VidFlow, available over a Microsoft SharePointTM e-Learning Platform. The VidFlow system enables broadcasts to be made over a computer network to the entire school or specific video lesson material to be developed, edited and delivered to classes.
Total Media Integration
VidFlow can be set to record programmes, create video, convert VHS tapes, DVDs, AVI and Mpeg files to digital format and provide video on demand across the school’s network. Pupils can view the output on PC screens or via interactive whiteboards. All have a clear view of the screen and the opportunity to make any notes. VidFlow will also allow the teacher to quickly edit a programme to include just the section required for a particular lesson. These edited video clip files are available using a simple icon click in any Web enabled browser window, even to students at home. VidFlow can access all Freeview digital channels and is High Definition (HD) ready. VidFlow works seamlessly on Microsoft’s Class Server and is ready for the new Microsoft Vista operating system. Integrate any learning platform with the VidFlow delivery system and the result is a very powerful learning environment for a school or college.
Observing the Future School in Action
Once teaching resources are online, lessons can be run from any networked classroom. Teachers can run daily multiple choice tests on class material delivered, and results are available immediately as tables and graphs. This enables teachers to identify areas that need further teaching time or gain insight into how students are progressing. For absent pupils, teaching materials can be accessed on-line from home, helping housebound or excluded pupils to catch-up. Observing the new e-learning and VidFlow in practice, we found that teachers have really taken to the new network facilities and are learning how to get the best from it. When it comes to the students, there is a huge challenge to keep pace with the requirement for multimedia interactivity and instant feedback to enquiries. It is particularly encouraging to experience the student enthusiasm for the Akhter VidFlow system, which is already making a real difference to how the curriculum is being delivered in schools.
