One of the first initiatives in this strategy was the appointment of ILT champions. In the 2000 strategy document they are described as'responsible to the Director of ICLT for promoting ILT applications in support of learners.' ILT champions would 'constantly be scouting for appropriate materials in the curriculum areas they support and working with curriculum teams to embed them in the learning process.' They were to ensure course teams were made aware of new resources (catalogued after purchase if required on behalf of the sector). They would also help and encourage staff to develop online learning and assessment materials by the ILT champions who, together with the Director of ICLT, would recommend purchase of appropriate software to facilitate this development. They were also to ensure they had the most up to date information regarding developments in assistive technologies. Three were first appointed; this then grew to 10 and finally, 17.
ILT champions would support curriculum deliverers and actively scout for useful sites on the internet. 'Course teams will be encouraged by the ILT champions to consider how educational programmes can usefully utilise video-conferencing to enhance the student learning experience. ILT champions will lead in the training of staff in IT/ILT and the use of the College intranet to assist in the development of induction and good practice guidelines for both staff and students.'
17 ILT champions were appointed and time was allocated from their mainstream functions to the job as ILT champions. Most were given freedom to undertake their role as they wished but they were given the opportunity for some formal development during a day when external experts from a variety of agencies (eg BECTA and NILTA) came into the college to provide assistance. At the end of the year, a formal report was provided by each of the champions detailing the impact their efforts had on the school, including lessons learnt and recommendations for future use of ILT in their departments. Periodically, the ILT champions would meet to share resources and pertinent information. Champions also regularly circulated new e-resources and links to relevant ILT information...continue to ILT champions (p2)
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