Webanywhere launches e-learning solution for National teaching schools in the UK
Based on the widely used Totara open source LMS solution, Webanywhere is now assisting teaching schools reach a wider audience with their initial teacher training and CPD programs.
National teaching schools are involved at all stages of teacher training and development from initial teacher training to training future leaders and headteachers. Webanywhere has conducted research and found that there is a lack of dedicated software solutions aimed at assisting teaching schools in delivering their training. The research also revealed that teaching schools can often encounter difficulties around scheduling and attendance.
Sean Gilligan, Managing Director of Webanywhere, said:
“We work with thousands of schools in the UK, many of which are National Teaching schools. We’ve been in discussions and found that a lot of these schools struggle to schedule sessions for staff, and even when training is planned attendance can often be low, as other school demands take priority. We believe that training of our teachers is critical to ensure continuing high standards of education in the UK.”
The new LMS solution helps training schools combat low attendance and busy school schedules, ensuring that training and CPD continues even during the busiest times of the year.
The system can work alongside various teaching techniques to ensure the widest group of learners can be covered. It works as a full distance learning model, a staff member logs in learning new skills and interacting with their peers online. This is ideal for teachers who are rarely free for training, or who are in a geographically dispersed teaching school alliance.
The system also works alongside a blended learning model, this model will be familiar to many of the teachers being trained. New knowledge is imparted in person in training sessions, follow up work, interaction with peers, testing and feedback are delivered online. This ensures learning is embedded and followed up with appropriate after training activities.
The third most widely used method with the new system utilises the methods outlined in the constructivist model of learning (Koohang, et. al.). Commonly known as the ‘flipped classroom’, in this approach knowledge acquisition happens outside of the classroom, for instance with written materials and videos on the LMS. In person training sessions focus on collaborative and cooperative learning, making the most of peer to peer interaction.
In addition to these teaching methods, Webanywhere’s new service also comes with an option to have learning technologists construct learning materials alongside the teaching school’s subject matter experts (SMEs). Training is given to ensure that the SMEs are able to keep the content up to date without needing to revert back to the original supplier.
Webanywhere’s new service is already making an impact as an indispensable tool for the UK’s National Teaching schools.
More information for teaching schools is available from Webanywhere.