Software (15)
Improving student engagement using library management software [case study]
By Softlink on 14 May 2012, 15:45pm
Cheltenham College had been using Oliver for 5 years and had seen a big improvement in the functionality of the OPAC from their previous system. Their next big step was to improve engagement with students. In the summer of 2011, this goal was achieved and the library was refurbished bringing it into the ‘modern world’.
Ginette, Librarian at Cheltenham College, explains, “The main challenge was that the historical use of the library as a 6th form study room was extremely entrenched within college life. We had to raise the use of the library for all years as an area for leisure reading and study”.
Softlink launches ‘Library Link’ iOS & Android mobile app
By Softlink on 01 May 2012, 14:17pm
Softlink, a world-leading provider of Library Management Solutions, announces the launch of the ‘Library Link’ mobile application for Android and iOS, giving borrower access to Liberty and Oliver information on the go.
Integrated with Softlink’s systems, Library Link enables users to search for resources, place renewals, and check alert messages for holds and overdue items. The application also features a barcode / ISBN scanner to automatically retrieve resource records from the system.
Accessibility on the move comes one step closer with MyDocStore
By Iansyst on 23 April 2012, 09:37am
Internationally renowned assistive technology company, iansyst, was a winner in Plain Sailing, a Small Businesses Research Initiative (SBRI) launched by JISC TechDis, the Technology Strategy Board (TSB) and the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS). The competition has allowed iansyst to develop new technology solutions which will help people, particularly those with a disability, in education, at work and at home.
iansyst's proof of concept, MyDocStore, demonstrated how users can use mobile and cloud based technology to access documents anywhere using cloud-based assistive technologies. The MyDocStore service improved access to information and learning materials for those with reading disabilities such as dyslexia or a visual impairment, but also helped those who wanted to read documents and content when on the move. iansyst and its project partners have now been awarded funding to develop a prototype of the MyDocStore Service further enabling the service to be rolled out to learners and potential users.
New online bullying product: Bully Watch
By Tweezy Online Ltd on 20 March 2012, 13:52pm
Tweezy Online Ltd have announced details of their latest online bullying product that will soon be available for general release.
Tweezy Bully-Watch is an online solution designed to capture details of all bullying incidents and track them through to successful resolution. This system is unique in that it has features to assist in all aspects of addressing all types of bullying. The product team regard bullying as a three tier problem which consists of identification, investigation and, of course, resolving. There are existing systems for victims to report bullying. There are separate systems to track incidents the school is aware of. There is also sanctioning software for when a bully is identified but the strength of Bully Watch is in bringing all these vital stages together into one complete process.
Langeroo apps arrive on Windows phones for free
By Langeroo on 20 March 2012, 10:10am
Langeroo are announcing the launch of the Langeroo English Flashcards Level 1 for Windows Phone.
Throughout 2012, Langeroo will be offering Langeroo apps across multiple platforms. Langeroo apps are designed for the home market and are designed for parents to use with their children as a way of teaching English words and phrases.
The mobile apps will fit into one of two categories: Langeroo Toolbox apps will consist of tools and resources, whereas Langeroo Adventures will be game-driven, utilising the same word sets as the Toolbox apps. All of the apps will work alongside the Langeroo subscription service and the National Curriculum.
Library management system hosting is more popular than ever
By Softlink on 13 March 2012, 11:02am
With School librarians facing greater demands than ever on their time, Softlink highlight hosting of Library Management Systems (LMS) to Schools as a way of saving IT costs and reducing time spent on administration tasks.
Stephen Daniels, Marketing Manager at Softlink Europe, explains: “We are receiving more approaches for a hosting solution from schools than ever before; librarians are finding that budgetary cutbacks are putting pressure on IT and this is having a knock on effect to the library. Our ‘Oliver’ LMS has been helping librarians for 7 years, and this extension of our provision is now becoming very popular as we celebrate our 80th Hosting customer.
Introducing U-Explore Arcadu - Learning with Games
By U-Explore on 28 February 2012, 10:51am
U-Explore is delighted to announce its collaboration with Arcadu Learning with Games, the unique games-based learning solution designed to motivate and engage students in their homework and independent study.
Just like U-Explore, Arcadu Learning with Games is designed by teachers for teachers to ensure students' learning is fun, engaging and aligned to key learning outcomes.
Arcadu Learning with Games includes over 80 topics with more than 8,000 questions ranging from National Curriculum level 3 to GCSE A* across 14 subjects. Its intelligent question banks adjust automatically, ensuring each student has a personalised package. Plus, with arcade quality games students are able to play whilst they learn, ensuring they remain entertained and challenged.
Softlink expands digital video integration for Oliver and Liberty
By Softlink on 23 February 2012, 00:34am
Softlink have partnered with multimedia provider tv4education to bring v-TV video files into the Oliver and Liberty Library Management Systems.
The v-TV Digital Library is a subscription-based service that offers recorded TV educational programs on demand. The integration with Oliver and Liberty means v-TV video files can be stored within the system and attached to imported catalogue records from SCIS.
“In this digital, electronic and connected world where currency and relevancy of information is everything, patrons are expecting the library to be the one stop shop for information and entertainment,” said Mr Michael Fernandez, CEO of tv4education.
Pearson study shows that over a quarter of UK mothers don’t have clear insight into children’s progress at school
By Robert Craig on 08 February 2012, 18:38pm
Pearson, the world’s leading provider of education tools and content, has commissioned a survey with OnePoll1 that found that over 25% of parents do not have clear insight into their children’s progress at school. With the backdrop of these trends, Pearson launched Imagine, a new cloud-based software suite incorporating Pearson’s e1, a Management Information System (MIS), and the Fronter Learning Platform. The on-demand software enables increased student and teacher access to learning resources, parental engagement and easy access to student attendance and achievement data.
Pearson has recently commissioned two separate surveys into teacher and parent attitudes to student learning. Pearson commissioned a survey with the National Foundation for Educational Research (NFER)2, which surveyed over 1,500 teachers in the UK on student learning as part of its Teacher Voice omnibus survey in November 2011. The NFER survey revealed that 85% of primary school teachers mainly communicate with parents in person, but only 16% of secondary school teachers do the same. Both parents and teachers struggle with time constraints to discuss student learning, and there is clearly a need for parents of secondary school students to interact with teachers and access information about their child’s academic progress in alternative ways.
Langeroo English goes mobile
By Langeroo on 25 January 2012, 22:06pm
Langeroo, a software package that supports the teaching and learning of English to EAL, Early Years and SEN children, have announced plans to develop a series of Langeroo apps.
Development has already begun on the apps which will be available across multiple platforms. To compliment their popular online version, the apps will be split into two categories:
