Implementing learning platforms into schools: an architecture for wider involvement in learning

Abstract

A government department directive in England required all schools to implement facilities to support important aspects of learning, and such facilities were deemed to require inclusion of a learning platform (LP). Looking at the implementation of a single LP across schools in one local authority, it is clear that schools face challenges when implementing uses of a LP, but that there are, at the same time, important learning (as well as management and teaching) benefits that can be gained, for pupils in all age ranges. This paper, using evidence from a two-year study, explores examples of learning practice from a range of schools and shows that particular aspects of activity and learning are being encouraged, and that practices are beginning to emerge that could lead to future forms of enhanced involvement and engagement in learning activities for parents as well as pupils and teachers. This paper shows that a LP has the potential to provide an architecture that will allow parents to have more access to artefacts and scaffolding to support learning and suggests what the future potential of integrated parental access and support might hold.