Network Installation, Training and Support Service
- Arriving at a decision on the
implementation of ICT in the curriculum can be a challenging and stressful
experience. It will involve choosing appropriate infrastructure, hardware
and software together with arranging the necessary training.
- Often the terms used and their
associated technicalities are unfamiliar. Schools may well feel they have to
choose between rival 'off-the-shelf' solutions rather than being able to
acquire a solution that matches their requirements.
- A growing number of schools
have discovered the advantages of working with Lexicon Lifeline in this
area. We can "hold your hand" through the process, identify the
needs of the school and arrive at a solution that meets your needs and
provides the best value for money.
Consultation
- We will visit the school to
look at its layout; to identify the type, deployment and use of existing
computers; to discuss the current level of staff experience and the
suitability of the current software for delivering the National Curriculum.
- In conjunction with your ICT
team, (Headteacher, coordinator, ICT governor etc.), we will identify the
needs of the school, compare these with the current ICT development plan (or
help in drawing one up), and discuss the relative merits of the various
options available to you.
Quotation
- We will supply detailed
costings for the work.
- Lexicon Lifeline is not a
hardware supplier nor cabling company so where these items are required, we
will identify a number of companies that we have found to be reliable and
'school-friendly'. We can put you in touch with one or more of these
companies or, if you prefer, we can make all the arrangements so that they
can supply a quotation.
- A suitably qualified and
experienced person or company should always carry out cabling and the
installer should always provide a warranty of at least 15 years. If you
require extra power points, then most cabling companies can install these at
the same time as the network cabling. In most cases we would suggest that
only 10/100 switchable hubs are used
Installation
- Depending upon the size and
type of network that you choose, (See
our Rough Guide to Networking), Lexicon Lifeline may carry out the entire
installation or we may involve a local company to provide additional
expertise. Either way, you can be sure that you get the installation that is
right for your school.
- We will customise the
computers on your network so that they fulfil the identified ICT objectives.
This will include installing the software identified in the plan and setting
it up to be easy for the pupils to use and the staff to manage.
Software
- We will use our knowledge of
educational software to make suggestions concerning the software that should
be on your computers. We will ensure that the software provided is
appropriate for the age range of the pupils who will be using it and that it
enables the National Curriculum to be covered. We also provide an additional
software list from which items can be selected to both support literacy,
numeracy and subject based topic work as well as providing opportunities for
modelling and simulations.
- If your school is a Lifeline
subscriber, then there are discounts available on most titles giving savings
from 10% to 15% from most educational publishers.
- In addition, if you need to
buy any Microsoft software then we can provide details of the Microsoft
Select scheme run by Dorset County Council Procurement Services. This
provides the best possible value for money. The scheme is open to all
schools; those outside of Dorset LEA have to pay a small registration fee.
Training
- When large sums of money are
invested in new hardware and software, it is important to be shown how to
make the most effective use of this expensive resource. The training will
cover the management of your system and how it can best be used as an
effective learning tool within the curriculum.
- We would normally suggest that
at least two people are present for management training.
- Demonstrating ways of using
the software effectively to support the curriculum can be covered during a
training day or twilight sessions. The most cost-effective way for you to
cover this is to use Lifeline time, (either by joining or by adding
additional days if you are already a member.)
Ongoing Support
- Even the best plan cannot
cover all eventualities. Technological change, extra financing or additional
pupils may all necessitate change. A Lifeline subscription provides the
comfort of telephone help and visits to rectify any problems, as well as
further advise and guidance. This is a cost effective way of obtaining
support and can be included in the plan.
Why use Lexicon Lifeline?
Martin Longley and
Dave Thomas have teaching backgrounds as well as many years of offering ICT
advice, support and training as part of the Dorset IT Team.
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Our solutions are led by the curriculum.
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Our service is
quality assured through NAACE.
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We have a local knowledge of
schools and the demands placed upon them by
the National Curriculum.
-
We have a wealth of technical
experience
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We will ensure that your ICT
development builds upon 'what you have' and
takes you 'where you want to go', in the most appropriate and cost effective
way for you.
-
We are genuinely interested
in what is best for you!
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We do not represent any particular
hardware or software company.
Lexicon Lifeline have carried out either a complete installation or an
extension to an existing network in the following schools in recent years:
Bournemouth
- Heathlands Primary School
- Hill View Primary School
- Muscliff Primary School
- Pokesdown Primary School
- Stourfield Junior School
- Townsend Primary School
- Winton Primary School
North Dorset
- Archbishop Wake Primary School
- Blandford St Mary Primary School
- Durweston Primary School
- Shillingstone Primary School
- St Andrew‘s Primary School, Fontmell Magna
- St Andrew's Primary School, Yetminster
- The Dunbury School
- Wyke Primary School, Gillingham
West Dorset
- St Michael‘s Primary School, Lyme Regis
Wareham Area
- Lady St Mary First School, Wareham
- Lytchett Matravers Primary School
- St Mary‘s First School, Swanage
- The Old Malthouse School, Langton Matravers
Poole
- Broadstone First School
- Buckholme Towers School
- Branksome Heath Middle School
- Hamworthy First School
- Hamworthy Middle School
- Longspee School
- Merley First School
- Springdale First School
- Winchelsea School
Weymouth/Portland
- Underhill Junior School
- Westfield Technology College
Wimborne Area
- Beaucroft School
- Cranborne First School
- Hayeswood First School
- Pamphill First School
- Sixpenny Handley First School
- St James‘ First School, Alderholt
- St James‘ First School, Gaunts Common
- St John‘s First School, Wimborne
- Wimborne First School
Wiltshire
- Semley Primary School
- Wardour Primary School
Please
contact us for further information or a no-obligation
visit
to discuss your ICT requirements.