Displaying items by tag: Education

Thursday, 16 May 2013 06:03

School eLockers

Partner Launch Event

Tues. 11th June 2013 - 4pm to 5.30pm

Solutions inc. education team are pleased to announce that we are now working in partnership with Specialist Apps to supply and support School eLockers. To celebrate our new partnership we would like to invite you to our launch event. We will be demonstrating this innovative collaborative sharing platform and inviting a limited number of schools to join us in a pilot scheme.

We sincerely hope you can join us,

The Education Team.

Venue: Solutions inc. The Joinery, 255 Old Shoreham Road. Hove. BN3 7ED

Booking form

About School eLockers:

A mobile solution for the coming decade

Schools everywhere are looking to take advantage of the latest mobile technology such as smartphones and tablets. School eLockers is designed from the ground up to work on these modern devices.

Using a combination of HTML5 and native apps, School eLockers works on the desktop, iOS devices, Android devices and more.

It also doesn't matter if you're using mobile devices 1-1 or are you're using shared devices, School eLockers has multi-user support built directly into the apps.

Distribution, collaboration and assessment

School eLockers makes it incredibly easy for teachers to share documents, images, video, web sites, and any other digital learning resource with their students. eLockers are organised into classes and groups matching those already setup in your school.

Students can also share their work with their teachers and peers.

Any shared item can have ratings, tags and comments added to it so that you can have class discussions or formative feedback. Your content and discussions can be synced to your mobile device so they can be accessed offline too.

Instant-on collaboration

If you’re a teacher or a student then our customer setup process means when you first log in to School eLockers you can start collaborating instantly.

There’s no account or group setup required by teachers - it’s all just there and ready to go. This means you can concentrate on the really important bit - teaching and learning.

Keep your data nearby in the private cloud

Your data is incredibly important to you, and at School eLockers we take this very seriously.

Unlike many other solutions you can choose to host School eLockers within your own premises on your own school network. This ensures you know exactly where your data is.

If you prefer, we can also host School eLockers for you on our cloud service, and we'll make sure that the hosting facility is as local to you as we can get it.

Whichever hosting option you choose, it's a fully managed support service all the way. This means you don't need to worry about software updates, configurations and issues - we take care of everything.

Integration, integration, integration

If you want to make things easy for your IT staff and simple to use for your end users then you need a system that is going to integrate with the existing software and services you use.

School eLockers has several options for integration including school management systems, active directory and local network storage mapping.

School eLockers also integrates with a large number of creativity and productivity apps across desktop and mobile.

So easy it actually makes a difference

School eLockers is really easy to use for teachers and students alike. The web interface uses the latest HTML5 drag and drop features to make sharing completely straightforward, and our apps keep things equally as simple.

What this means for you is that you get a system that people can actually use with the minimum of training - which then means you get the benefits to teaching and learning that you are looking for.

Published in Education

Wednesday, 13 July 2011 09:30

Two men, one pedal boat and a big ocean

Project Torpedalo - Extreme Machine from Extreme CAD

Project Torpedalo is quite simply the most advanced pedal boat ever created and it is to be used to cross the Atlantic! Madness you say? Well two Design Engineers from Bently Motors: Mark Byass and Mike Sayer have designed and built their own pedalo and they plan to pedal 3,000 miles (naked!) in December 2011. It is important to note this is for charity (also to break the World Record), the objective is to raise £250k for Make-A-Wish Foundation and Motor Neurone Disease Association. So what has this got to do with Computer Aided Design (aka CAD)? Well you can't take this boat on a real test drive, you can't sit and pedal for 30 days just to make sure it works. So what do you do? DIGITAL PROTOTYPING

Digital Prototyping in a Real World

When people think of CAD they think of architects designing buildings or manufactures designing everyday objects but they think of these as static models without intelligence. Digital Prototyping (in architecture called BIM) is revolutionising the way the design industry is creating and building more and more advanced machines. The designers and engineers work together to create a virtual machine, in this case a pedalo.

The boat is built in a computer in 3D with every screw, nut and bolt and then tested; virtually. We are now at a stage where computers can give an object(s) intelligence. Example: your testing a bridge which you want to build to see how it will stand up against storms. Computers can simulate weather conditions and apply stresses to the virtual bridge. This bridge is programmed to react in exactly the same way as if it was built and how it will survive these stresses over time. Currently the new Oakland Bay Bridge in San Francisco (currently being built) was tested in this way. Also the Millau Viaduct in France (tallest bridge in the world) designed by UK Architects Foster and Partners was only made possible because of this amazing technology.

Back to Project Torpedalo

Mark and Mike designed their own closed-cockpit, triple compartment self-righting pedal-driven monohull (aka Pedalo) from scratch. It is 8.3m long from bow to stern, with a single pedalling position and a sleeping cabin at the back, the boat has been carefully engineered to do everything that it needs to do, and is optimised for an ocean crossing. By designing the boat themselves, they were able to focus on making the boat efficient and fast, whilst remaining stable and important ability to self-right in the event of capsize (which is likely considering 40 foot waves with 8 foot breakers). The boat also has to be their home for at least 6 weeks and carry everything that two people need to survive for that long.

Crucial CAD for a Crucial Design

The initial plans involved building large scale models of the boat and testing it in a wind tunnel. While the resources for this were secured, timing plans couldn’t be worked around the availability of the tunnel. So, instead the designers decided to use Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) to model the airflow over the boat in the variety of wind conditions. This modelling takes a lot of computing power and specialist software but saves time and money in creating scale models which would have to be tweaked many times before they bring the correct results. By using a powerful computer tweaks can be made quickly and efficiently on the virtual model to achieve the results needed for the project.

The drivetrain design is clearly crucial to the success of the adventure. It had to be light, efficient, easy to service, and simple. The first concept for the drivetrain featured a vertical driveshaft with a right-angle gearbox at each end, but quickly they realised that this layout would be heavy and difficult to fix if it failed without taking heavy spare gearboxes. Head of Engineering at Bentley Motors, suggested using a belt drive. Modern belts don’t stretch, are very efficient, are light, don’t need perfect alignment (unlike chains) and crucially can be twisted – meaning the direction of rotation of the drive train (from pedal to propeller) can be changed without a gearbox. Once again through CAD models and testing this could be proved, the image of the drive train is shown on the right, which is was created as a full virtual working model.

The original boat concept had a propeller at the stern, but with the amount of vertical pitching that the boat will do in rough seas they noticed that a stern prop could be lifted out of the water. For this reason, and with the pedalling position in the centre of the boat, they decided a propeller on a keel board directly under the pedaller was the best solution.

The result of over a year of design work with the help of amazing software is a fast, stable boat that cuts well through the water and the air and most importantly be able to cross the Atlantic.

Charity and the World Record

This project is a charity event like no one has ever seen! Mark and Mike have done all the design work themselves, sourcing materials, companies and professionals to help them. The boat will take part in Woodvale Challenge, a trans-Atlantic rowing race involving roughly 30 rowing boats that takes place every two years – Mark and Mike be the first crew ever to compete in a pedalo. A pairs pedalo has only ever made this journey once before, in 1994, taking 111 days. They want to do it in 38 days (most definitely possible) and if they succeed, they will set a new World Record.

I have full confidence that both Mark and Mike will succeed and I write this blog not only promote the use of Digital Prototyping and CAD but to promote them and their amazing project. If you can please donate and if you have any questions about the article please comment or contact me regarding the use of CAD for different projects.

Project Torpedalo

More Blogs

Dim lights

Published in Matthew Jackson

Friday, 21 May 2010 13:26

Mobile learning blog

Through our ongoing series of mobile learning forums we regularly meet and consult with educators across the spectrum of education from Primary right through to HE. This blog provides a range of useful links to help you explore Apple mobile devices in a teaching & learning context. Please continue to e-mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Deployment

iOS 5 Education - Deployment Guide

Learn how to deploy and support iOS devices in an education environment. This guide is designed for those responsible for the deployment of iOS devices, from IT leadership to implementors. It highlights best practices and considerations relevant to deploying and supporting iOS devices in education environments. Much of the content is US-centric but still very useful: Download PDF

Getting Started with Apple iOS

A guide for using iPad, iPod touch, and iTunes for K-12 teaching and learning: Download PDF

Wiki Server & WebDAV

Wiki Server provides an easy to use environment to empower collaboration in the classroom.
WebDAV is the technology used to save documents to your school server.
See: http://www.apple.com/macosx/server/

iTunes U

The largest collection of eduational resources on the internet:
http://www.apple.com/education/itunes-u/

If you have information you’d like to share with this group or If you have further questions, please get in touch.

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Published in Simon Birch

Thursday, 20 May 2010 10:47

Financing the 1:1 initiative

The 1:1 initiative is a vision to provide a mobile device - iPad - for every student in school. It is becoming increasingly common for schools to investment in infrastructure to support the devices - Managed WiFi, MDM, Servers - and then offer cost effective ways for parents to contribute towards their own mobile devices.

Solutions inc. offer a range of finance plans suiatble for all types of schools. However, recent legislation dictates that state schools must only enter into a compliant operating lease. We have the knowledge and expertise to guide you through the various options; how to engage parents in a contribution scheme, Gift Aid, warranty & insurance options, suitable protective cases, software apps, delployment and device management - the whole end to end process.

Understanding Compliant Operating Leases for Schools

Why Lease?
Schools will lease for a number of reasons. The main two are to update equipment regularly and to assist with cashflows (for example, yearly budgets may not be sufficient to purchase equipment outright). Today, virtually anything moveable can be leased with the most common items being PCs, i-pads, Servers, storage and IT equipment.

Types of Leases
There are 2 basic types of leases:
1.) Finance Lease
This type of lease transfers the risks and rewards of the asset to the person taking out the lease. It is similar to hire purchase where at the end of the lease the asset belongs to the purchaser. This type of lease is classed as a credit arrangement, i.e. borrowing. Schools are not permitted, under the Schools Financial Regulations to enter into borrowing so cannot enter into a Finance lease.
2.) Operating Lease
This is the only type of lease a school is allowed to enter into. With this type the leasing company maintains the risks and rewards of owning the asset throughout the term of the lease. On termination, the school is given the option to either purchase or return the equipment to the leasing company or alternatively extend the lease.

Is it an Operating Lease?
From the 2010/11 financial year onwards, Local Government is to be governed by International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) and this has affected how leases are classified. Previously the SSAP 21 test (Statement of Standard Accounting Practice 21) could be used to determine whether a lease is an operating or finance lease; under International standards this is no longer applicable
To determine whether a lease is classified as an operating or finance lease, the following 4 questions must be answered;
Does the lease transfer ownership of the asset to the lessee by the end of the lease term?
Does the lessee have the option to purchase the asset at a price that is expected to be sufficiently lower than the fair value so as to make it reasonably certain the option will be exercised?
Is the lease term for the major part of the economic life of the asset?
Is the lease asset of such a specialised nature that only the lessee can use it without  major modifications?
If most of the answers are "No" then usually the lease is classed as an operating lease rather than a finance lease.
The new test requires more judgement than the previous SSAP21 test and could be interpreted differently by various parties.

Using the above questions, Schools will be able to gauge whether they believe a lease is an operating lease or not. Schools are always advised to check with their local authority and seek additional guidance.

Contact your Regional Education Advisor for a tailored quotation: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Published in Education

Saturday, 15 May 2010 06:39

Runnymede RTC

Runnymede

Regional Training Centre

About the centre

Our aim is to provide an informal environment where teachers and technicians can explore Apple technologies regardless of experience or expertise. We host regular hands-on workshops where teachers learn to use technologies to enhance creativity in the classroom, right across the curriculum. Our own staff host most sessions, but we also invite teachers and technicians with specialist skills to present and run workshops throughout the year across all of the following subjects:

• Mobile Learning
• Podcasting for Primary teachers
• Podcasting for Secondary teachers
• Stop-frame Animation
• Music technology
• Advanced Video & Music Production

Listings

Get Set for Mobile Learning
An afternoon with David Kirtlan
Wednesday 7th December

We are excited to announce our first afternoon of free hands-on workshops for teachers hosted by David Kirtlan, Apple Distinguished Educator and Director of Education at The Backstage Academy.

The afternoon is arranged in three sessions; feel free to attend as many as you can. The third session starts at 3.30 but we will welcome later arrivals up to 4.30 pm.

To reserve your place contact Anthony Jorge:
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

All teachers are welcome to attend.

1.30 - 2.15 pm : Learning Diaries
This practical session will explore simple content creation. Using the built-in camera, we’ll capture and edit video and add narration & music. We’ll also discuss how this can be used within the curriculum for assessment purposes.

2.30 - 3.15 pm : Storyboards & Newsletters
Using the iWork suite we will experience how to create storyboards and newsletters to help students evidence their own learning, encourage reflective thought and peer assessment.

3.30 - 5.30 pm : Mobile Learning
This session will demonstrate the key aspects of mobile learning, highlighting the benefits and issues when using such technology within a classroom. We will explore some of the best applications available, focusing on learning and providing examples of successful projects with student outcomes. We will also allow time to discuss the range of mobile devices supported, focussing on embedding them into the curriculum and schemes of work.

Can't find what you're looking for?

Contact Education Advisor, Gary Moore This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Published in Regional Training Centres

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School eLockers

Partner Launch Event

Tues. 11th June 2013 - 4pm to 5.30pm

Venue: Solutions inc. The Joinery, 255 Old Shoreham Road. Hove. BN3 7ED

Booking form

About School eLockers:

A mobile solution for the coming decade

Distribution, collaboration and assessment

Instant-on collaboration

Keep your data nearby in the private cloud

Integration, integration, integration

So easy it actually makes a difference

Two men, one pedal boat and a big ocean

Project Torpedalo - Extreme Machine from Extreme CAD

Digital Prototyping in a Real World

Back to Project Torpedalo

Crucial CAD for a Crucial Design

Charity and the World Record

Mobile learning blog

Deployment

iOS 5 Education - Deployment Guide

Getting Started with Apple iOS

Education Resources

Education Apps

Coding & Creating Apps

Configuration Profiles & Device Management

Wiki Server & WebDAV

More Great Links & Blogs

iTunes U

Financing the 1:1 initiative

Financing the 1:1 initiative

Understanding Compliant Operating Leases for Schools

Runnymede RTC

Runnymede

Regional Training Centre

About the centre

Listings

Get Set for Mobile Learning An afternoon with David Kirtlan Wednesday 7th December

Blogs

Get Set for Mobile Learning
An afternoon with David Kirtlan
Wednesday 7th December