Manor College of Technology - E-learning

E-learning

In 1994, Manor was awarded 'Technology Initiative School' status. Following the College’s successful bid for 'Single Regeneration' funds in 1995, the College was able to significantly upgrade its design technology and ICT facilities, including the introduction of video-conferencing and improved internet provision. Staff each have their own laptop and the College has wireless network, data projectors, interactive whiteboards and video-conferencing facilities.

In 2003 the College was designated as a DfES ‘Associate School’ for ICT (Information Communications Technology) development. The students can now use in excess of 400 computers across the school. The College is a pilot centre, nationally, for the new 'Diploma in Digital Applications' (DIDA).

In 2002/03 Manor’s director of e-Learning created a software package, “Vital Statistics”, which is aimed specifically at GCSE Statistics candidates. This product, created and designed in partnership with a commercial software company, has attracted national and international attention with Malaysia, India, Singapore, Dubai and Syria. Cambridge – Hitachi are marketing the product on behalf of Manor.

The College has set up ‘MOLE’ – the Manor On-Line Learning Experience.

The College is working with the DfES, the Specialist Schools Trust, the Nuffield Foundation and the Learning and Skills Council to promote e-Learning initiatives. In 2003, the College hosted a national conference which was attended by the University of Cambridge and the Royal Statistical Society.

The DfES Innovation Unit are encouraging Manor College to become one of the United Kingdom's 'e-Learning' schools. The College’s e-Learning initiatives and other curriculum innovations are gathered together under the title “Vital Education”. The College has established a company, Vital Education Ltd, which is a charitable trust aimed at generating funds to reinvest in education.

The College’s work in this area of the curriculum was commended by Rt. Hon. Peter Mandelson MP in the House of Commons in July 2003. The Secretary of State for Education and Skills, Rt. Hon. Charles Clarke MP, endorsed Mr. Mandelson’s statement by applauding Manor’s work, stating:

“Manor College are behaving in an entirely innovatory way in an outstanding application of Information Communications Technology with different partnerships outside the school which is focused on raising educational standards”.
Rt. Hon. Charles Clarke MP (formerly) Secretary of State for Education and Skills

Manor’s pre eminence in ICT, Maths & Statistics has resulted in the school being designated as the Specialist Schools & Academies Trust’s 'Regional Centre of Excellence'. The Director of e-learning is the Trust’s National Co-ordinator for the Leading Maths Practitioners Initiative.

A £1 million e-learning – Technology Centre was constructed in 2005 and provides facilities for staff, students and the community. Teachers from all over the UK have received CPD in the new centre.