Procurement of the London MLE Learning Platform

London MLE Procurement Documentation

Fronter
LGfL MLE Procurement
DfES Guidance

Girl infront of a computer LGfL are pleased to announce that following a comprehensive competition and thorough evaluation conducted within the Becta Learning Services Framework, the London procurement of a managed learning environment (MLE) has led to the identification of Fronter UK Ltd as the preferred bidder for the London MLE solution. www.fronter.com

LGfL completed the process of tendering for an MLE in January 2007. The following documents remain available for public viewing.

Throughout 2006, the LGfL Consortium worked with BECTA and the DfES to procure a new Managed Learning Environment suitable for London’s schools. The LGfL MLE was selected from one of the successful companies that bid to be part of the BECTA MLE framework.

This MLE will build on the learning platform specification from BECTA to provide schools with a learning platform that links dynamically with Management information systems.

While BSF schools may be early adopters of the London MLE, other factors including costs and future funding prevent a clear prediction of the rate of wider adoption.

Schools are likely to require use of the existing learning platform (www.lgfl.net) which is the subject of planned ongoing development for the foreseeable future.

Many schools and LAs have a substantial dependency on the present platform and any migration will require considerable notice and careful planning.

In accordance with the government’s e-strategy priorities and targets (set out in the publication “Harnessing Technology”), by 2008 schools will need to have access to a system which provides a personalised on-line learning space with the potential to support e-portfolios. Schools need to achieve this target in a way that meets their functional requirements, achieves best value and ensures that pupils, teachers and support staff can share and collaborate effectively. In 2006-2007, LAs have been funded to ensure availability of a learning platform with at least core functionality to all schools by spring 2008. Basic functionality should consist of, at the minimum:

Communication and collaboration tools e.g. web-based email to enable peer/mentor dialogue;
Safe and secure, individual online working space for the school workforce and pupils enabling anytime, anywhere learning;
Tools to enable teachers to manage and tailor content to user needs and learning styles, and track user progress.

The DfES have produced a booklet “Learning Platforms - Making IT personal” providing clear policy and funding guidance for learning platforms.

Learning Platforms - Making IT personal - Primary

Learning Platforms - Making IT personal - Secondary

Becta has produced more detailed advice about learning platform functionality and specifications.

Planning for personalised online learning