Daniellockewheaton

We have spent a while reviewing VLEs which is my specialism. I am really pleased to say that we have chosen my learning space by CSDM. It is a custom .net development similar to share point in someways but very different. CDSM are small development company based in Swansea. They have just one the contract for the whole welsh grid for learning. Thus we will have shared development. My learning space is a very fluid and web 2.0 environment which feels like iTunes/ flicker style built on collections. Servers with virtulisation will be AUEA based in our state of the art server room. Plenty of resilience and redundancy. We however are also trying to cloud base a lot which includes live @ edu email, skydrive etc (then office 365) for both staff and students. Wireless is an amazing aerohive solution.

This will be listed probably next month. So watch this space Thanks

Firstly and most importantly - Yes thats a canal, The academy has been built along side it with open plan resturant and outside social space next to it. In regard MASS. We are a truely Hybrid solution and not a BSF Cookie cutter, we can ask what we want and more importantly the Network manager when in post will help me write the support SLA with Mass, so we can ensure we have what we need. The balance of what they do will depend upon the skills of the network manager and the support they need. For info and others who have asked. MASS are an IT provider and they are responsible for the entire procurement, installation and configuration of the system. In many new academies and BSF, the IT provider will often provide a complete managed solution where not only do they set everything up they will also run and mange the whole network on a contract after opening. We did not want this as we wanted our own academy based support team. We have therefore gone for a hybrid solution, where they set everything up and then post open, support from a second line prospective and our own network team run the in school support (first line). The simple answer is that as Network manager you technically would not have to do anything until we open, but in reality both the Leadership team and MASS want the network manger to be involved from as soon as possible to help shape the perfect system that we want. For example, we have budgeted for devices but have not settled on manufacturer or model. From July onwards when we start installing, everything will be done together so you understand the system. You don't have to know everything as they are there to train and help. The other big advantage is that you would get access to all the CPD and training that you require and would be delivered by MASS whether that is virtualisation or AD configuration. They have experts in all areas. Effectively you are a network manager with a team of over 100 staff behind you with MASS. Hope that helps Dan

Hi Alan, It is actually Progresso from the start. We are actually in a development relationship with Serco and will be running a national pilot for some unique tracking and monitoring features that we are developing. I mentioned CMIS as desirable as progresso is very simlilar to facility, but in reality a MIS is a MIS and they do the same, so SIMS won't be an issue. We actually have a role for a MIS manager seperatly as well.

Any questions about the role - please just ask?

Aston University Engineering Academy – Network Manager (41.5hrs/WK) - £28,363 - £30 851 Start date: 1st July 2012 We wish to appoint for the exciting position of Network Manager at the first major University Technical College - Aston University Engineering Academy. Aston University Engineering Academy in Birmingham is a 14-19 mixed University Technical College sponsored by Aston University. It is a brand new, £16M academy, built around state of the art IT and engineering equipment. One of the first national University Technical Colleges, it will have a unique focus on engineering and science that will be enhanced through strong links with local and national industrial partners. AUEA opens its doors in September 2012 to an intake of 120 Year 10 and 60 Year 12 students from across Birmingham. Aston University Engineering Academy’s IT provider is MASS (MASS) who are supporting the academy with; a state of the art design and installation of ICT infrastructure, the procurement and integration of the various networked systems, together with the supply of all end user equipment. Upon opening the Academy will continue to work with MASS in a hybrid support model (second line). This is therefore a unique opportunity for our appointed Network Manager to work closely with MASS, receive leading CPD and training, and build the dream IT solution. As Network Manager, the post will take responsibility for: • Working with our IT provider MASS on the installation of ICT infrastructure, and integration of the various networked systems, together with the configuration of all end user equipment • The day to day management, maintenance and development of all AUEA’s ICT infrastructure. • The provision of a responsive First line Service desk service to resolve problems encountered by users quickly and effectively. • Working with our IT provider MASS on second line support. • Developing and maintaining the school’s VLE, website and online presence; • Lead and Manage IT Technician (not until Year 2) Any applicants will be required to have previous experience in working in educational IT support, along with high level of IT literacy and network management. This will include excellent knowledge of using and administering Windows inc. 7, Server 2003/08, Exchange and Active Directory. The Academy is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff & volunteers to share this commitment. The post is subject to an enhanced CRB Disclosure Further details including Application form, Equal Opportunities form (safeguarding requirement), Job Description and Personal Specification can be obtained from Helen Walklett at [email protected], 0121 204 4282 or Home | Aston University Engineering Academy. Closing date for applications: Tuesday 3rd April at 12.00 noon Interviews will be held on: Monday 16th April 2012 If you have any questions or requirements before the interviews please do not hesitate to ask.