SWGfL
Content
Big Day Out uLearn
Audio Networks
…
…
Purchased
Content
E.g.
Espresso
Sam Learning
Knowledge Box
Inter-operability data interchange
Space Tools
Library
Community
Personal
Blog
Wiki
Forums etc.
Virtual Desktop
User
Directory
Your MIS
SIMS
Your VLE
VLE
Simplified Sign On Service

Desktop
Single Sign
On
Tools
Space
Building your school’s platform – plugging in your choice of tools
An extended learning platform

Reporting systems
MIS
Merlin
Transfer of accounts between schools Chat
Personal online space
Wikis Search
VLE
Assessment tools
Pupil record systems
Attendance
Communication and collaboration between all schools in the SW
Filtering and e-safety
Blogs Calendar Bulletin board
Targeted News Website creation
Surveys Discussions
Questionnaires
Upload a range of file types
Interest groups
Parental password access
Collaborative projects
CV builder
E-ILP
Simplified sign-on
E-portfolio Target specific users
Integration of MIS
Integration of a range
VLE
Range of themes and interfaces
Storage of resources
Sharing resources
Whole school pupil tracking systems
Timetables linked to VLE
Structured course builder
Resources linked to
Business systems timetables
Structured target setting
Off-line learning
Learning Platform

•Bespoke Early Years interface with full integration into SWGfL Merlin
•Simple access to tools and resources
•Age appropriate tools including simple word processor, online scribble tool, online diary
•Creation of e-books for sharing with class
•Functionality, tools and sharing controlled and managed by teacher
Screen shots

• Additional tools and interfaces as pupils migrate to full
SWGfL Merlin
• Customisable virtual desktop enabling personalisation of interface with themes, images, widgets
• E-portfolio can be shared with other users
• Collaboration spaces to share and communicate information
Demo site Scenarios

• Targeted news - publish and push news to specific users
• Shared calendars - share events with members
• Multiple calendars - overlay on to personal calendar to provide complete picture of events
• Alerts – opt to receive alerts when documents are added or changed
• Surveys – collect responses and feedback and display instantly as graphs
• Personal Online Learning Space
• Compatibility with Mobile Technologies (AKS)
• E-safety

• Single access to a range of resources that can be customised for the exact needs of pupils
• Create and share teaching materials which can be accessed by students and colleagues anywhere and at anytime
• Support supply teachers with access to cover work and lesson plans
• Receive submissions of work from pupils
• Manage your diary, personal file space and receive targeted news within your personalised desktop space
• Opportunities to collaborate and share across departments, schools, LA and SW region.

• Access learning materials outside lesson time and from a variety of locations
• Store work and notes online for use in assignments, homework and revision, outside normal school hours
• Work at own pace with the potential to access a wider choice of learning styles and tools in a more personalised work space
• Create and share an online portfolio, including digital photos and videos of performance as well as text
• Submit work and assignments for marking or discussion
• Communicate, collaborate and participate in live discussions and forums with other students and teachers within a moderated, e-safe environment

• Play a greater part in children's learning, where they have access to SWGfL Merlin from home
• Support children in learning which takes place outside school
• Share their child's online portfolio and view a showcase of their best work
• Communicate more effectively with teachers, school administrators and others supporting their child's learning
• Engage with wider school issues through online communication and shared spaces
• Become active partners with the school.
• Be reassured that their child is working within an e-safe environment

• Simplified creation and management of accounts, user names and passwords through MIS system
• Ability to share up-to-date management information such as attendance and attainment
• Reduce the administrative burden on teachers by using transferable data
• Enable communication within school and beyond, on a one-to-one, one-to-many, or many-to-many basis
• Increase communication with parents.
• Forge closer links with other schools and agencies both locally and regionally

• Create and share materials which can be accessed by colleagues anywhere and at anytime
• Support colleagues with targeted access to confidential documents and information
• Receive submissions of work from schools and colleagues
• Manage your diary, personal file space and receive targeted news within your personalised desktop space
• Opportunities to collaborate and share across departments, schools, LA and SW region

Do you have a sufficient hardware for easy access to SWGfL Merlin from various locations within the school and home?
Do you have a AUP written into your school improvement plan that would cover SWGfL
Merlin?
Is your connectivity reliable and fast enough for an
Internet-based system?
Do you have a budget to buy more equipment if needed?
How will you ensure the security and safety of the users of the learning platform and their data?
Can your staff demonstrate an awareness and confidence in the embedded use of ICT to support teaching and learning ?

For further formation and updates regarding SWGfL Merlin
• Visit the SWGfL website www.swgfl.org.uk/services/learning_platforms
• Subscribe to the SWGfL mailing list www.swgfl.org.uk/news_and_events/mailinglist.asp
• Contact your LA SWGfL Merlin key contact
Linda Duffy l.duffy@dorsetcc.gov.uk
Ph 01929 401812
Mob: 07881 802889