Learning2Go is innovative in the way it uses the technology, but also in the way that it arranges funding.

 

In order to enable learners to have their own personal handheld computer, the model put forward by Wolverhampton LA to schools if one of joint funding. This works in a similar way to that model used by schools already for school visits. That is, that a system is put into place which enables parents to make a contribution and the school will subsidise with money from its own budget resources, in order to make the whole thing financially attractive.

 

During phase1 ( the pilot phase was totally funded by LEA ) parents were asked at the end of the project whether they would be prepared to make a contribution to their children owning their device. The feedback was positive.

 

So for phase 2 a model was put forward which asked parents for a contribution which was the equivalent of “a pint of beer a week or a packet of cigarettes a fortnight” the shortfall in funding was then made up by school.

 

It is important to make quite clear that the funding model for Learning2Go is over a 2 year cycle. This is possible due to the low price of handhelds, but also due to the short produce replacement cycle of a Mobile device which is more akin to a mobile phone (Which are replaces yearly) than a desktop PC.

 

In brief then the model put forward is.

There have been various interpretations of this model by schools. The “Typical” primary model has been to begin the project in Y5 and allow it to run for 2 years with learners taking devices into year 6. Forward looking secondary schools have joint funded devices in year 6 taking the devices through into year 7, thereby creating an interesting transition model.

 

Please bear in mind that this method of funding is part of the innovation and it is changing an developing all the time.

 

A key partner in the funding of the project is the E- Learning foundation - their involvement is highly recommended.