Escimo - New VLE

[Crispin]

I have just taken over the VLE technician role in my school and we are currently looking at alternative to skillspace's learning platform.

 

We have a meeting with the marketing manager of the new Essex CC's VLE, Escimo.

 

Escimo - Collaborative Online Learning

 

Has anyone looked into this LP? I'd be appreciative for any feedback with this. I'm a little worried it'll be yet another failed attempt at finding an LP. In my opinion skillspace is awful and I don't particularly want to be in the same position again.

 

Thanks

[LisaW]

In my primary I have just had an email from county to inform me that we are getting ESCIMO over the summer, but I can't find much about it. It says there are 6 pilot schools. Would like to know what we are in for!

[Crispin]

Yeh I think I would like to see how the pilot schools are using it, just to be sure. Apparently it integrates with our CMIS so that is a bonus.

 

Although on the website FAQ it seems to suggest it is mainly to compliment an existing LP, so not sure how they're going to try and sell it to us as a complete replacement, which is what they'll be doing.

 

I'll let you know how the meeting goes on Thursday.

[NewOrder]

It looks like a MLG built on SharePoint. If you want I can put a list of questions together that you can ask them. Here as some to get a response.

 

MIS intergration.

 

Provisioning of users. ( you can't go wrong with Salamander )

 

Are they using mysite or developing their own. ( Mysite is excellent concept but needs work )

 

Are templates being provided.

 

Whats the difference between primary and secondary.

 

Are they using the inbuilt blogs and wikis or developing simpler ones that are easier to use for teachers.

 

Last but most crucial what learner management if SLK what version? course manager have they got it working, will they allow connection to moodle, have they looked at others in SharePoint.

 

What permissions do schools have. Can they change add in there own bits.

 

Any content provided?

 

Hope this helps

 

Will they be at the Learning Gateway confrence?

[Crispin]

Thanks for this, will definitely be helpful for tomorrows meeting.

I am not aware of the conference but I can always ask for you, if you'd like.

[tsimons]

We have been a pilot school from the start

 

there are a few good points

 

- Integration with SIMS or another system.

- Own Dedicated Link from Schools in Essex.

- Good Support

 

We have been running into a few problems since the SIMS integration has been added (being the second school to have it implemented) there is bound to be a few teething problems.

 

If you want to ask any questions about Escimo just give me a PM

 

Tom