FrogTeacher already complies with the Government’s e-strategy, which states that by “2010 every school should have an integrated learning and management system (a comprehensive suite of learning technologies).”

Rather than the FrogTeacher system relying on the use of an outside hosted server, it installs one into a school ensuring that schools receive complete reliability.

“Installing a server into schools gives the teachers confidence that the system will be there when they need it, they are not relying on an internet connection which can go down in the middle of a lesson leaving teachers struggling,” explained Gareth Davies, Managing Director of FrogTrade.

“FrogTeacher allows schools to create and control their own school’s digital vision, typically mirroring their own existing teaching and social processes. That is just the first step in the process though because it also enables staff, pupils, parents and governors to access data from anywhere. Teachers use it for lesson planning and teaching; pupils and staff use it to access school applications at home and the school can use it for ecommerce for the payment of trips - it has even been used to generate revenue by hosting web-sites for feeder primary schools and local businesses.”

FrogTeacher has been developed in conjunction with schools that were looking for a fully integrated system which allows them to be in control. It brings together a vast array of different technologies giving control to teachers and reducing the demands put on ICT departments. Educationally the benefits allow each subject to be cross related making sense to students of the broader curriculum.

FrogTeacher is specifically designed to provide Phase 3 learning platforms, described by the DfES as ‘providing an embedded, uniquely tailored system to each individual school’s needs’. FrogTrade are already ensuring that schools using the FrogTeacher System will hit the new government target well before the 2010 deadline.

Reaching the ‘Digital Environment Inflection Point’ is not a trivial undertaking and requires a combination of the right senior management team, the right technology and the right support. Even with all these things in place it is likely to take two to three years to reach this point (although FrogTrade have helped some of their more ambitious schools achieve this in around one year).

FrogTrade have recently announced a number of key partnerships with curriculum content providers including Birchfield Interactive plc, Channel 4 and Immersive Education.

Steve Conway, FrogTrade’s Business Development Manager, said, “This is an exciting opportunity for our customers to purchase award winning content that enhances the teaching and learning experience and fully integrates with the FrogTeacher solution.”

FrogTrade also have a number of designated Specialist FrogTeacher Centres throughout the UK and during BETT two schools received their Specialist Centre Status. St. Paul’s Catholic College, Sunbury on Thames were selected for outstanding achievement in Improving School Processes while Hatfield Visual Arts College, Doncaster have excelled in Enhancing the Curriculum whilst using the FrogTeacher digital learning environment.

Gareth Davies pointed out that “The FrogTeacher Specialist Centre status is recognition that a school is very effectively working towards something of national importance using the FrogTeacher technology and it’s important to note that to qualify for Specialist Centre Status schools need to go through a rigorous qualification procedure undertaken by an independent educational body”.

After receiving Hatfield’s Award Dirk Pittard said “FrogTeacher has revolutionised the delivery of lessons at Hatfield Visual Arts College. Students are able to individualise their learning by accessing an ever increasing range of courses, resources and support in a way that meets the needs of the modern learner. Teachers are now creating exciting media rich learning experiences which are engaging our students in ways that have proved to raise achievement. This award is a credit to both the hard work of the Teachers and their Students and we are very proud of the recognition it brings.”

Simon Uttley commented, “We are delighted to have been given this recognition by FrogTrade. In collaboration with FrogTrade, St. Paul’s staff and students have transformed a primitive and under-used website into a dynamic learning environment. We have been delighted by Frog’s flexibility and by the co-operation offered by FrogTeacher staff”.

Gareth Davies said, “FrogTeacher is best visualised as a Learning Platform Building Kit, that allows a school to do pretty much whatever they want, however they want. These schools are among England’s leading lights and their efforts must be commended as they move their schools quickly towards their own, personal digital future.”

Further information on the FrogTeacher System can be obtained by visiting www.frogteacher.com or telephoning 01422 250800.

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