The future’s online...
Some of us may still experience difficulties when using ICT resources but the pace, affordability and portability of useful solutions means that electronic delivery is increasingly becoming the norm, like it or not! If we’re to help young people take full advantage of all that ICT offers, we need to get ourselves up to speed.
Lots of local initiatives are now using the web to deliver their new services for young people and those who support them. All of these resources can be used by you to help deliver careers education and other curriculum and Connexions subjects.
Services4Notts
www.services4notts.org.uk
Fast developing, local contacts and support directory for young people; in place for the new Children’s Trust.
CourseFinder
www.sortitonline.com
Connexions Nottinghamshire’s online guide to further education across Nottinghamshire and just over the border.
What Next progression routes directory
www.whatnextnotts.co.uk
Aimhigher’s guide to local progression routes, options and provision.
Passportfolio
www.passportfolio.com
Nottingham and Nottinghamshire’s emerging e-portfolio support site - see page 3 for more.
The Real Game
Now available in an interactive, online format.
Cxd-i interactive videos
www.connexions-direct.com
Young people can view videos and vote on issues with Connexions Direct’s ‘Your Life, Your Views’ engaging new feature.
School and college careers and learning ‘micro’ sites
Your own websites like, for example, Hadden Park...
These developments are all looking to benefit from using interactive, engaging formats that many young people like to use.
Connexions Nottinghamshire: latest developments
Like other providers, here at Connexions Nottinghamshire we are continuing to develop our electronic services using the latest technologies.
SortItOnline is the main gateway to all of Connexions Nottinghamshires’ online services and information for young people. Our new look site was launched in October and includes:
- CourseFinder Simple, student-focused online database of FE courses in Nottinghamshire and just over the border. Also includes support information and useful links.
- Vacancies Online: still the only one-stop source of real, local job and training vacancies for young people. Now features Apprenticeship Finder, job hunting advice and other support for young people in or out of work.
- Fetch! Newly branded website directory with thousands of quality-approved careers and lifestyle issues websites. If you’re interested in setting up a virtual Connexions library then Fetch! is your ready-made electronic library!
From SortItOnline we link to Connexions Direct’s advice service for young people, parents and tutors. This confidential and anonymous service can particularly support young people with sensitive issues. Almost 70% of the 500 Nottinghamshire enquiries a month to Connexions Direct are made using webchat which proves the benefits of offering ways of communication that young people like to use.
Kangaroo is still ‘bounding’ around too with lots of new developments including improved and lower literacy content, new extra support materials and automatic online updating. Look out for your new Kangaroo CD in the autumn term.
On our online support website for teachers, parents and carers we are developing an area for virtual Connexions libraries. Many schools and colleges are looking to develop their electronic resources and we’ve produced new standards and advice on setting up menus and systems – all available on www.cnxnotts.co.uk. You’ll still be able to access practical support such as lesson plans for group work and the ‘About Connexions’ leaflets in 16 languages for students and parents.
The growing interest in electronic library development from teachers and librarians in Nottinghamshire shows how we may be getting more confident about embracing the benefits of online and ICT delivery and breaking down those barriers to improved engagement.
For more information contact Paul Foreman
