So It Seems I Am Taking On the Big Guys
Why is it when ever we get a good idea someone else has already beaten us to the start post.
All opf a sudden I find myself in direct competition with the VLE aimed at secondary schools in the uk (High School equivalent). I was sat reading over what some of the bigger companies are offering and I silently squirm in my seat, how on earth do I compete with them.
Suddenly the answer came to me, I have come too far to give up. I have been classified as educational locally and I have the go ahead from the local authorities and I have my first school (who was thinking of purchasing a VLE). I can offer something the VLE cant, the personal touch. I offer a service not a product.
Alright they get a product thrown in for free after set up costs but where the focus of what I offer is based is after the set up in the educational support not only on the website/forum etc but also in schools.
Most of these companies have focused on the educational side of things, well excuse me for being niave but for the kids that will voluntary use these resources its not really enticing anything new. It may be making those higher grades higher but what about the kids who would never think of ever using an educational site or the kids whose parents dont know much about computers and have only heard the horror stories so dont want their children on the internet, what about those kids who struggle but are too shy or afraid or ashamed to ask for help in the classroom ? What about those kids who have missed school and need to catch up but dont have any explanation for the work they need to cover.
Now look at the teachers, how many are confident to explore new things on the internet, how many have the time to learn new systems (I know I dont), how many would prefer to have someone come into school when they ask for no extra fee to help them with resources and finding their way around the systems in a way that is quick and easy, in an environment that isnt so large you dont know where to start. Support in Mathematics working directly with the teachers in a school to give extra help to those few children who need it outside of the SEN system.
How about the parents, okay so VLE may offer a way for parents to monitor their childrens progress but what about those parents who are shy of the internet or who lack knowledge in the main areas - english, maths, science or ict. Help for parents to get them past their fears of maths and show them how to work things the way their children are working so they can help them at home. and of course this doesnt mention the personal direct link with schools giving the home/school partnership a new meaning where parents can get to know each other or ask questions especially in light of the new curriculum coming into force next September.
So yes it looks like I am taking on the big boys, my biggest question is can I succeed?
All opf a sudden I find myself in direct competition with the VLE aimed at secondary schools in the uk (High School equivalent). I was sat reading over what some of the bigger companies are offering and I silently squirm in my seat, how on earth do I compete with them.
Suddenly the answer came to me, I have come too far to give up. I have been classified as educational locally and I have the go ahead from the local authorities and I have my first school (who was thinking of purchasing a VLE). I can offer something the VLE cant, the personal touch. I offer a service not a product.
Alright they get a product thrown in for free after set up costs but where the focus of what I offer is based is after the set up in the educational support not only on the website/forum etc but also in schools.
Most of these companies have focused on the educational side of things, well excuse me for being niave but for the kids that will voluntary use these resources its not really enticing anything new. It may be making those higher grades higher but what about the kids who would never think of ever using an educational site or the kids whose parents dont know much about computers and have only heard the horror stories so dont want their children on the internet, what about those kids who struggle but are too shy or afraid or ashamed to ask for help in the classroom ? What about those kids who have missed school and need to catch up but dont have any explanation for the work they need to cover.
Now look at the teachers, how many are confident to explore new things on the internet, how many have the time to learn new systems (I know I dont), how many would prefer to have someone come into school when they ask for no extra fee to help them with resources and finding their way around the systems in a way that is quick and easy, in an environment that isnt so large you dont know where to start. Support in Mathematics working directly with the teachers in a school to give extra help to those few children who need it outside of the SEN system.
How about the parents, okay so VLE may offer a way for parents to monitor their childrens progress but what about those parents who are shy of the internet or who lack knowledge in the main areas - english, maths, science or ict. Help for parents to get them past their fears of maths and show them how to work things the way their children are working so they can help them at home. and of course this doesnt mention the personal direct link with schools giving the home/school partnership a new meaning where parents can get to know each other or ask questions especially in light of the new curriculum coming into force next September.
So yes it looks like I am taking on the big boys, my biggest question is can I succeed?
