Do we need a VLE?

[dancingdruid]

I've read through various topics on here but have yet to find an answer to my specific problem.

I've been asked by the powers that be to find out what would be the best (and cheapest) solution to 2 different requests.

As a small special school we currently have just a basic website.

The latest idea would be to have a website that parents could log into to see forthcoming events (and the next bit could be pie in the sky) to see examples of their own child's work in a sort of e-portfolio (we have a very large catchment area which prevents some parents from coming into the school). Pupils are unlikely to be using it for any curriculum purposes.

The other idea is for an intranet site that is easy for non-specialists to manage (thinking along the lines of a CMS system I guess).

Anyone have any comments, suggestions or software pointers that I can pass on. (I did check out moodle but it didn't seem to fit the bill but I didn't spend too long seeing how far it could be customised).

Thanks in anticipation.

[Geoff]

I think a CMS would work for either of these. Have a look at Joomla. I believe there is a recent thread about it somewhere.

[Grommit]

I think you should ask you LEA if they are planning something.. as if you spend time effort and money on one thing and the LEA is going with something else then you might miss some funding and support

[kingswood]

Yes. Speak to your LEA and get in on whatever they are offering. These things can be a complete nightmare to maintain and manage if you don't have the time to dedicate to them.

Paul

[GrumbleDook]

That sounds like the voice of experience, Paul.