The big demand at the moment is for help for teachers with the changes coming into the curriculum in September next year. These changes essentially revolve around schools having to introduce Computer Coding into every subject in the curriculum. Fortunately, iPads have a huge range of quality solutions to help teachers, but they need professional training and support.

1. Apple v Microsoft Project Initiation
Document
Project Initiator:
Project Name:
Project Number:
T. Stout
Apple & Microsoft
Blended Strategy
1:
Date:
Project Owner:
Project Affiliate:
24/10/2012
Sally Harris: The Online
Consultancy
Katy Harris: Hub Training:
Please state the business opportunity being addressed:
The purpose of this project is to identify the most cost effective and robust learning and
development infrastructure for Gosforth East Middle School by utilising the most appropriate
hardware and software to enable both staff and pupils to learn, develop and benefit from the most
up to date tools available in these technology led times.
Both Apple & Microsoft are the leading suppliers of educational and business software and are
both universally acknowledged as the most prominent players and by offering the opportunity to
children to develop both sets of skills; it will ensure they have the ability to adapt to whatever
infrastructure is available both in a learning environment and the future workplace.
User engagement – ensuring the application is easy to use effective, and offers targeted content
(apps) to provide a supportive and practical user experience.
Consideration of OFSTED deliverables/expectations from implementing this opportunity.
Please state the deliverables, objectives and benefits:
The key objective is to make this decision - Apple v Microsoft or a blend of both?
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Creation of one centralised blended I.T. platform utilising both Apple & Microsoft by
adopting a blended technology approach to support the most commercially viable
products - so that students will be practically prepared for their educational journey and
ultimately, their future careers
Considering cost: Budget constraints force schools to use the same books year after year,
long after the content is out of date. But with textbooks on e.g. iPad, pupils can get a
brand-new version each year — for a fraction of the price of a paper book. (You can
download directly from iBookstore to the iPad).
Accessibility and speed of downloads – all learning material will be up to date if budget is
allocated for upgrades on an annual basis.
Value: Consideration also needs to be made for broader internal goals to ensure that the
implementation demonstrates a solid value proposition that will underpin the cost benefit
analysis of the financial investment.
Staff will be up- skilled along with students thereby increasing credibility of the school
overall.
Creation of a Handbook would be a useful guide and resource for all I.T. related tools and
resources for all learners (staff and students alike).
Inclusion: multiple language support/options – review further
OFSTED <insert perceived/real benefits here>
Sally Harris: Confidential
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2. Please state any desired results or success criteria:
 An I.T. system that is fast, secure and a reliable set of services to enable students to develop
and future proof their I.T. skills to enable them to compete in this technology led commercial
world.
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A training resource centre that is always up to date, hosts reliable content and is managed and
updated effectively.
 Productivity and efficiency gains are quickly realised for both students and teachers alike.
Stakeholders and potential resource requirements:
Head Teacher
Head of I.T.
All Teaching staff
Senior Management Team
Board of Governors
Assumptions/Risks/Constraints
 Too many features in the initial roll out could slow down the implementation and create an
overly complex set of services/options
 Duplication of content or inconsistency between applications
 Stakeholder resource time constraints
 Office v Apple = confusion or adaptability?
 Dual cost/maintenance implications
Next Step Scope Considerations
Decision - MAC – you can run Windows and Windows Applications – MAC runs Office/PC files
(required Office for MAC)
 iPad – cheaper alternative - multiple apps – utilise Office rather than iWork ?
iWork for iPad: Pages, Keynote and Numbers - The three iWork productivity apps help students and
teachers create professional-looking documents, presentations and spreadsheets
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Pages = (Office: Word) is a powerful word processor with simple-to-use layout tools and a
large onscreen keyboard.
Keynote = (Office: PPT) to create presentations with stunning animations and effects.
Numbers = (Office: Excel) build compelling, attractive spreadsheets in minutes, including
tables and charts.
Needs Analysis - build a comprehensive understanding of what the full set of requirements
are from the management team, then use results to build the core strategy
High Level Management Tactical and Strategic Strategies
Networking/Security/ DRS (disaster recovery strategy)
Cost – initial outlay/support/insurance (damage/loss)
Staff input – user adoption & training needs analysis
Maintenance & Ownership from internal Stakeholders
Sally Harris: Confidential
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3. Sign Off Date:
Project Initiator:
Project Owner:
T. Stout
Sally Harris: OC:
Signed:
Signed:
Refer to supporting documentation for full spec. (TBC)
Sally Harris: Confidential
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