Technologies – ICT Moray

Virtual Classroom Available In All Secondary Schools

All Secondary Schools in Moray have the ability to set up Virtual Classrooms using the new Scopia Equipment which has been installed. This opens up the opportunity for one school to run a class with pupils from another school or schools able to join in.

The equipment can also be used to Video Conference and join classes and discussions at other Educational Establishments via the Janet gateway. Full documentation on how to use the equipment is available within the schools and Morays Learning Techs are also available to provide further instruction.

Do Tablet Devices still have to be issued on a 1:1 Basis?

Tablet devices used to be issued to pupils on a 1:1 basis because there were logistical issues authenticating internet usage.

However due to recent improvements, all internet browsing from tablets now passes through the same Proxy server as normal internet usage for pupils. This means that all pupils are now required to provide personal login credentials when browsing the internet.

Schools can now freely use tablet devices with multiple pupils with only one proviso. The tablets must be completely shut down between users. This ensures that the next user does not inherit the previous users access to internet browsing.

Should you require any further information please do not hesitate to contact ICT.

Why Are All The Good Internet Sites Blocked?

All school Internet requests are filtered via Smoothwall (the Internet Filtering device) which uses the following principles:

applying rules apportioned to a list of categories as agreed with Education.
applying rules apportioned to a list of custom URLs (web site addresses) as instructed by schools.

Is the filtering service guaranteed?

No. Internet filtering reduces the risk of accessing unsuitable content, however due to the ever-changing nature of the Internet some unsuitable material may occasionally still be viewed.

Can I request changes to the Internet Filtering?

Yes. Schools can choose to deny access to undesirable sites or to allow access to sites that have been denied by the system. To allow or deny access to an Internet site please raise a call via your schools ICT Contact giving the full website address (URL).

Why have ICT banned me from a site I used to be able to view?

It is likely that ICT have not made any changes to the filters, however due to the changing nature of the internet, certain sites or pages may be re-categorised within Smooth Wall due to a change in content.

What if there are conflicting requests?

It is not unknown for one school to ask for a site to be opened whilst another school has asked for it to be banned. When this happens ICT pass the request to Education for a decision before making any changes.

Promethean Interactive Boards Now Available From The Education Catalogue

All sizes of the New Promethean Interactive Panels are available on the Schools Catalogue which can be found at the following location under Interactive http://edcat.moray.gov.uk under Interactive Technology.

There is a selection of sizes and mounting options. All prices include installation and 5 Years on Site Warranty. Installation does not cover Power and data unless they are within easy access from the chosen board location.

If you require further details please do not hesitate to contact ICT.

Primary School Interactive Display Support

In January of this year ICT took on the support of Primary School Interactive Equipment along with other additional areas that Primary schools had let us know they would like support with. e.g. Software Installation and running Group Policies when required.

To provide this additional support ICT created an additional ICT Officer’s post plus a Trainee ICT Officers post. Both of these Officers have hit the road running and have cleaned and aligned 385 projectors, tested and calibrated 390 Interactive Boards and carried out literally thousands of support calls which Primary Schools have logged.

Both Officers have also been highly involved in the testing of the new interactive technologies which will soon be released to all schools. (More information in a later blog)

If you would like specific support from these Officers please raise a call with the ICT Service Desk, using the online form link available on staff desktops, and one of the ICT staff will attend to your requirements as soon as possible.