Category Archives: Webanywhere

The new IMLS framework for schools

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On 26th March 2012, the Department for Education announced the introduction of the new IMLS framework for schools. The Information Management and Learning Services Framework is designed to support educators in procuringmanagement information systems (MIS) and learning services (VLEs / learning platforms, etc).

Issues with ICT provision

Back in September 2010, a report from Becta found that schools weren’t getting good value for money from their MIS systems. A lack of competition and confusion over decision making in local authorities had led to a stagnant marketplace that put pressure on school budgets.

To counter the problem, the government set up the IMLS framework. As a trusted supplier of ICT solutions, I’m proud to announce Webanywhere are part of this new framework.

The IMLS framework solution

After consulting a wide range of stakeholders, including schools, local authorities and regional broadband consortiums, the Department for Education came up with the framework to deal with a set of common key issues.

Using the framework, schools can now go through choose from a group of pre-approved ICT suppliers to get the best deal for their school.Furthermore, to ensure there’s no problems in the future, the process is legally compliant and as simple as possible.

What this means for schools

Using the new ILMS framework, schools can now select from suppliers on 2 ‘lots’ on the framework. Lot 1 covers MIS and financial systems. Lot 2 covers learning platforms. When choosing from an ICT solution from either lot schools can:

  • Get a better deal by encouraging suppliers to compete against each other
  • Choose directly from the list of reliable suppliers with little need for negotiation
  • Reference a pricing matrix for easy benchmarking and budgeting
  • Promote interoperability – the sharing of data between different suppliers

The next step

Schools wanting to use the IMLS framework can get started soon. For now though, there’s plenty of help and advice via the Department for Education website. At Webanywhere, we all want to make purchasing ICT solutions as simple as possible, so we’ll also be keeping everyone up to date with the latest important information.

If you have any further questions about the framework, please contact us.

Webanywhere are at Learning Technologies 2012

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With the BETT show only just finished, I’ve dashed down to London again for another big date in our calendar; the 2012 Learning Technologies Exhibition. Held over the 25th and 26th of January in the Olympia 2, London, it’s a showcase of the best technology and innovations designed to support workplace learning.

After an early start setting up at stand 14, we’ve had loads of visitors so far, making it a busy, but exciting morning.

Delegates have been chatting with us about all aspects of workplace learning, from consultancy to support. They’ve also been interested in live demonstrations of our open source training solutions, including the fantastic Totara LMS.

Of course, me and the Workplace Learning team are still looking forward to the rest of the exhibition. Here at Webanywhere, the idea of lifetime learning is key to what we do, so I can’t wait to show off our latest innovations and find out what the other exhibitors have been getting up to.

I’m at the show with both Martin Judd and Conor Gilligan, two experts in e-learning, training and development who are ready to offer their tips, ideas and advice. So, if your at Learning Technologies, or in the area, please do come and say hello at stand 14.