The Hertfordshire & Essex High School has installed a new online learning environment called Frog to allow teaching and learning to continue outside the school classroom. The technology has significantly enhanced flexible learning as it allows students and teachers to access all school information, including homework, diaries, email, resource booking and timetables, from one online location.
According to recent research, only 67 per cent of secondary schools are using a learning platform, with a further 29 per cent planning to implement one in late 2009.* The Government has set schools the target of offering parents real-time access to their child’s learning on a timely and frequent basis – at least once per term by 2010. Having implemented Frog, The Hertfordshire & Essex High School - a Science Specialist College and Leadership partner school with over 1030 students - is set to meet this target one year in advance.
David Grant, Deputy Headteacher, comments: “Frog is changing the way we work and is helping to foster a culture of leadership in the school. The forums have really helped our students to network with each other; they are transforming students into keen learners both inside and beyond the school classroom. Teachers love being able to work from home and to set work for absent students more easily than before.”
The school is planning to roll out a parental portal in October. This will enable parents to access their child’s attendance, attainment, behaviour, timetables and lesson resources.
Gareth Davies, Managing Director, Frog, adds: “The Hertfordshire & Essex High School is a shining example of a school which has implemented an effective online learning environment that engages the whole school community.”
*According to 2009 research from BESA (British Educational Suppliers Agency) – a trade association with over 300 members which include manufacturers and distributors of equipment, materials, books, consumables, furniture, technology, ICT hardware and digital content – all to the education market.
Frog is a learning platform provider for secondary schools in the UK. Currently used in schools across 70 UK Local Authorities, schools can personalise their Frog Learning Platform to engage the whole school community.
Frog recently won Best Supplier of the Year at the Education Resource Awards for its innovative ways to boost learning. The awards, sponsored by the trade association for the sector, the British Suppliers Association, are recognised as one of the highest accolades in the education industry.