Wrexham Local Authority had a vision for dynamic, reliable and cost-effective online learning to deliver education throughout schools and colleges in the area.
Synergy Learning partnered with Wrexham Local Authority to create:
- A large scale eLearning installation
- An eLearning Network that allows one Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) to link to other VLEs across different schools and colleges
- Customised software to suit the individual needs of the Local Authority and schools
Wrexham chose Moodle because the Open Source approach helped learners to collaborate within and across schools, and to develop new knowledge and skills supporting the current drive towards personalised learning.
Simon Billington, Learning and Teacher Advisor at Wrexham LA explains why they chose to work with Synergy Learning,
“Moodle provided us with flexibility and is one of the best learning platforms available. However, in order to make such a large elearning installation successful and run effectively we required professional level support from a company with Moodle expertise.”
Strategy
Synergy Learning worked closely with Wrexham LA to adapt, support and develop Moodle services to suit the individual needs of the LA and schools.
Synergy Learning implemented Wrexham’s eLearning Network providing the LA with a range of services including hosting, installation, technical support and training through an on-going support contract until 2011. Simon explains,
“Our elearning network consists of one overarching Moodle Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) acting as an elearning portal linking to other Moodle VLEs across different schools and colleges who can access shared resources and courses. From anywhere within the authority you can log on securely to access work and records.”
Synergy Learning provided central training sessions for teacher and LA staff. Simon comments,
“Within six months Synergy Learning had trained 200 staff enabling them to really embrace the elearning programme. Eleven of us from the Local Authority have been fully trained as ‘trainers’ and we now run ongoing training as part of our continuous staff development programme through the Wrexham 14 to 19 Network. It is imperative to have staff fully trained to use Moodle in order to fully integrate the learning network across Wrexham and maximize it’s educational benefits.”
Results
Wrexham LA is now able to support students who are moving between locations to study options such as BTEC Sports, GCSE Law and Performing Arts. Through the portal, Wrexham provides all students in the area with a ‘Collaborative Options Menu’ enabling them to choose some courses that they study at a different institution. Students can log in and access their files wherever they are.
Simon concludes,
“Our experience with Synergy Learning has been completely positive. It has been a big transition for the authority to move to Moodle but with Synergy Learning’s support the process was seamless. Synergy Learning’s technical support is excellent allowing us to truly concentrate on the delivery of education for 14-19 year olds across Wrexham.”
Wrexham Local Authority installed Moodle across 10 secondary schools, two work based learning providers, one advisory learning and teaching support unit and four Pupil Referral Units.
Tags: education technology, eLearning, Moodle, Synergy Learning