Managing ICT in schools Debbie Wiggins

Due to increased; investment of ICT reliance on ICT for learning, teaching and admin user demands of effective ICT support the DfES saw the need to improve the quality of technical support provision in schools. Becta set up an advisory service and carried out a programme of consultation and development The Framework for ICT Technical Support (FITS) was launched on the Becta website in September 2003 Where did FITS come from?

What is FITS? Toolkit of advice, checklists and downloads Is relevant for all schools Based on the ITIL (IT Infrastructure Library) best practice processes for managing the support and delivery of ICT 10 processes to manage the day-to-day ICT support activities Sets a benchmark for ICT service provision in schools

How does FITS work? It provides a framework that; Formalises the things ICT support staff do and puts them in a structure Provides a controlled and consistent approach It allocates the ICT activities to the appropriate people Provides tools to allow information to be recorded and used

Impact of FITS Increases reliability of the ICT services and delivery of technical support Improves user confidence in the ICT services and technical support provision Encourages a greater use of technology in teaching and learning Increases the likelihood of improved school performance and inspection outcomes Moves technical support from reactive to proactive Provides a more efficient use of technical support resources Improves communications between technical support, users, senior managers and suppliers

FITS advice and support Primary FITS FITS second edition FITS for Managed Services For Primary schools or schools that rely on an external provider for the majority of their ICT service delivery and support For Secondary schools or schools that have an internal ICT support team for the majority of their ICT service delivery and support For schools preparing for the transition to a managed service. Focus FITS operations management (OM) For schools that have implemented the FITS processes to a level of maturity and would like improve the operations management that underpins efficient ICT service delivery and support Becta have developed a range of FITS toolkits designed to meet the needs of primary and secondary schools. Each toolkit provides a different approach, but the objective is the same; efficient and effective processes for the delivery and support of ICT services. Launched December 2006 Replaces existing FITS – to launch mid 2007 To launch Aug Launched February 2005

Implementing FITS expert workshop – Audience : network managers and technicians in schools – Duration : full day course 9:00 – 4:30 – Style : max. 15 delegates, boardroom – Goal : create an action to implement FITS – Exercises : 5 exercises to collect information for analysis – Additional : share experiences and learn benefits from each other