From La Guardia GFS, twotrades.com :
IS4B: CAD/CAM schools project to be the first application of online testing and accreditation in Europe
Wed Jul 19 11:33:00 EDT 2000
JUL 19, 2000, M2 Communications - IS4B (www.is4b.net), an advanced E-business
provider to corporations, SME's, the DTI and education departments, is currently
testing what is thought to be Europe's first 'online testing and accreditation'
system with trials taking place with schools across the country, and a planned
roll-out covering 400,000 pupils and students.
The online testing and accreditation software has been developed by IS4B as an
integral part of a nationwide, DfEE funded initiative that provides free CAD/CAM
software to secondary schools, sixth form colleges, and Universities where
teacher training is taking place. The project is being managed by the Design &
Technology Association (DATA) with software from DELCAM, PTC, and supported by
Warwick Manufacturing Group, BAE Systems and QCA.
A key objective of the CAD/CAM initiative is to create the 'Classroom of the
future' by enhancing the teaching of design and technology within all secondary
schools and sixth form colleges.
A web site with its own dedicated server is devoted to the project so that DATA
can control and manage the project effectively. In addition, the DfEE is using
the web site to collect statistics on the initiative's achievements. The site,
which can be found at - www.cadinschools.org - is being developed by IS4B and is
currently undergoing a final development phase with pilot schools in the
Midlands. The plan is for the site to go live in August 2000, and it is
anticipated that around 400,000 users per annum will access the web site.
Key features of www.cadinschools.org A major feature of the site is the option
for online testing. Teachers will be able to develop their own unique tests
related to the standard CAD/CAM competencies - with students taking those tests
and sending in papers online.
Lawrence Shaw, Chief Executive Officer of IS4B said: "The free CAD/CAM software
project for schools is the first application of on-line accreditation in Europe.
This has major commercial potential - with many companies doing there own
in-house testing."
He added: "Many companies are now undertaking their own in-house training and
education of staff, and combined with the massive uptake of internal intranets,
the potential for adopting on-line testing and accreditation is enormous."
The Government also sees online accreditation as a potential way forward for
assessment.
"The principle of online accreditation has been taken up and is being promoted
through the National Grid for Learning (NGfL), a Government commitment to
education connectivity," said Jenny Jupe of DATA.
Other key features of www.cadinschools.org include an accessible 'public front
end' which provides general 'up-to-date' information on the initiative as well
as information on accredited CAD/CAM software trainers and the training courses
available. This part of the site is intended to help share knowledge of the
initiative, and raise standards through a showcase of student work.
The 'back end' of the site provides a heirachy of secure areas, to which those
involved in the scheme - from pupils and teachers up to the DfEE - can gain
access to certain areas through passwords.
The system built by IS4B also allows effective trainers, teachers and
pupil/student accreditation and competence management, rapidly reducing - by
upto 92% - the amount of manual administration.
In designing and developing the overall framework of the CAD/CAM in schools
initiative web site, IS4B have utilised a number of its own specific
applications. These include the company's discussion forum, web mail, and secure
e-mail applications. IS4B's News and Events Manager application is also
employed. As well as providing the easy uploading of text press releases, this
also allows the use of images.
To ensure the effective management and updating of the database of trainers,
accredited teachers and schools with licences, IS4B has adopted its recently
launched WebSync application within the site. This provides for the integration
between teacher registration, DATA's own internal 'master ' database and the
online database.
NOTE TO EDITORS:-
About IS4B
Internet Solutions for Business (IS4B) is a well established high technology
company specialising in delivering a wide range of fully developed
internet-based products, including advanced E-business solutions for SME's,
corporate businesses, government and education departments.
IS4B has been at the forefront of developing and implementing internet solutions
for the past six years, and has built a client base of some 270+ customers
throughout the UK and Europe. Last year, IS4B became one of the earliest
British-owned companies to be listed on the NASDAQ market.
The company can produce rapid e-business enablement with off-the-shelf,
modular-based solutions, as well as fast and cost effective implementation.
IS4B has the total capability of developing, controlling and managing projects
from inception to providing the complete solution, including integration and
complete ongoing support. |
