DfE grant and training

[GlennJames]

Hi all,

 

Does anybody have any opinions about which partner to use for the DfE Digital Learning Platform grant for Office 365? Any really good / bad experiences?

 

What I'm trying to do is pick a partner that can deliver staff training for Office 365 / Teams that ticks our boxes and not theirs. I've heard of a couple of schools where the training was whizzed through and left staff totally confused and that's what I'm trying to avoid!

 

Has anybody had any outstanding Office 365 / teams training as part of their set up? Any recommendations would be greatly appreciated.

 

Thanks in advance,

 

Glenn

[paulkerton]

I can't speak to which partner to use, but a single day's training will only be enough to introduce them.

People are going to need continuous training as features and tools are released, changed and updated.

[GlennJames]

I agree, but I thought this would be a good place to start as training is included in the scope of work as far as I know. It's more about improving staff confidence than a full blown training programme, so I'd love to hear from anyone that has had a good experience with a particular partner.

[DrBeaker]

I can't speak to which partner to use, but a single day's training will only be enough to introduce them.

People are going to need continuous training as features and tools are released, changed and updated.

Yeah I've given up on stuff like that to be honest.

 

Sorry but as IT don't get any training on the stuff we're expected to troubleshoot and support. So an external trainer it is the best option.

[paulkerton]

Sorry but as IT don't get any training on the stuff we're expected to troubleshoot and support. So an external trainer it is the best option.

 

I don't disagree.

I didn't say it was your responsibility to deliver that training (Unless it's literally part of your job, like it is for me!)

[DrBeaker]

I don't disagree.

I didn't say it was your responsibility to deliver that training (Unless it's literally part of your job, like it is for me!)

No I mean we can't keep up with the constant small changes of a cloud platform and it's not our sole/primary jobs, so it's best they get someone who trains people and IT can also sit in on the training too.

 

e.g. I've had to send out something today but the screenshots taken in March during lockdown no longer reflect the current GUI. But no-way do I have time to update it.

[5nowman]

Hello. I can only speak for the 3 x DfE Digital Learning Platform grant setups I have witnessed. These were for google however they will setup sync with a MIS, secure the learning platform according to guidelines set by the borough / gov and give basic training. They will setup pupil and staff accounts and do a first setup of syncs from the MIS.

 

I don't want to mention the sync company they used for mis to learning platform however there is a yearly charge for it (included for the first year).

 

The grant does not cover full size training.

 

Invest in a proper company to come out and give training or do what I did.... Find a nice set of google videos for teachers to follow, vet them and see which you understand.

 

Does that help at all?

 

5nowman

[EdTech-Tom]

Hello. I can only speak for the 3 x DfE Digital Learning Platform grant setups I have witnessed. These were for google however they will setup sync with a MIS, secure the learning platform according to guidelines set by the borough / gov and give basic training. They will setup pupil and staff accounts and do a first setup of syncs from the MIS.

 

I don't want to mention the sync company they used for mis to learning platform however there is a yearly charge for it (included for the first year).

 

The grant does not cover full size training.

 

Invest in a proper company to come out and give training or do what I did.... Find a nice set of google videos for teachers to follow, vet them and see which you understand.

 

Does that help at all?

 

5nowman

 

This is an important point, the grant doesn't cover comprehensive training, in my experience with our DfE schools, there's more than enough to get started, but given schools have (how should I say this nicely) Varying levels of IT proficiency, additional training can always be purchased. BUT with the amount of resources available online you can find some excellent training resources for the staff that need it, which can save you money if you don't NEED it. Of course, if you need it you need it and the training will pay for itself in usability and uptake.