Free MIS Discovery Sessions for Schools, Academies & Trusts this September

On the back of a LOT of requests from schools, academies, partners and MATS, this September we were pleased to independently host a series of MIS Discovery Sessions.

With everything going on in the MIS market at the moment, schools have a real appetite for understanding all the MIS+Finance options available to them. They told us they’d like to take a look at all the MIS options available in England & Wales so this month we were pleased to host the three largest multi-phase, cloud-based school MIS+Finance suppliers: Bromcom, Arbor and IRIS Ed:gen.

Who were the Sessions for?

We hosted the MIS Discovery Sessions as virtual events which are completely free of charge to participate in and to attend. The sessions were open to all schools, MATs and academies in England and Wales, plus anyone else from the sector who’d like to find out more.

 

What did the Discovery Sessions cover?

We asked suppliers to talk about how their MIS meets the needs of key people within schools (including business managers, SLT, teaching staff, finance, students, governors, and parents) and asked them all the follow the same agenda to make it easier to compare.
But it wasn’t just about the software; we also asked suppliers to talk about their organisation and culture, and what it’s like to work with them – especially when it comes to switching MIS. There was plenty of Q&A throughout each day and the goal was to help everyone feel confident about the options open to them and the next steps.

I was unable to attend, can I access recordings and information now?

Yes, all the suppliers are happy to share the recordings plus more info on everything discussed in the sessions, just click on the links below:

 

Bromcom MIS Discovery Session

Arbor MIS Discovery Session

IRIS Ed:gen MIS Discovery Session

Thank you to all the suppliers who took part, and to all the participants who joined us in the sessions. We had over 240 people register across the three days and the feedback has been great.
We’re looking to run further sessions in the future – watch this space!

EP. 037 – Thought Leader Q&A: Matt Woodruff, Vice President of Analytics and AI, Community Brands UK

Next in our #FinnemoreFireside series is this Q&A session from before half term with Matt Woodruff, Vice President of Analytics and AI at Community Brands UK.

 

A data professional and PhD candidate in the field of Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence in Education, Matt has a prior background of 25 years in technology applications and consulting in Europe and the US.  He’s founded companies specifically addressing how technology can support more effective decision-making at all levels to improve outcomes and identify ways to be able to ‘do more, with less’ – more important than ever in today’s economic climate.

 

Matt and I had an insightful conversation about data and machine learning, including:

  • What is AI? The acronym is bandied about a lot, and here Matt gives a very strong definition of AI and more importantly Machine Learning
  • We talk a lot about the benefits of using contextual data with machine learning
  • What is the future of the use of data and how expansive can it support Teachers, Students and Parents
  • What needs to change? How ‘open’ should data be?
  • How is Community Brands supporting schools, and what’s next for the company?

 

It’s an interesting listen – especially for those of you like me who are interested in data and where the next innovations in analytics will be. Enjoy!

 

 

How successful has the government’s 10-year school rebuilding programme been? Understanding and maximising the benefits of improved facilities on educational outcomes

How successful has the government’s 10-year school rebuilding programme been?  There are 100 school rebuilding projects currently underway, with a third set of 61 schools announced in July, so:

❓ Has it created an effective digital infrastructure?

❓What would/should the direction of government policy on school building and refurbishment under new political leadership?

❓What effect has it had, if any, on pedagogy?

With questions such as these, how do you assess the ongoing rollout and implementation? We’re pleased to be involved in the Westminster Forum Projects ‘Next steps for school buildings in England’ online conference tomorrow where delegates will do just that!

I’ll be speaking on understanding and maximising the benefits of improved facilities on educational outcomes.

The speakers and delegates will also look at issues around support for schools that have not been accepted onto the programme; how can their needs be met?

Chaired by former Minister for Schools & Learners, Rt Hon Lord Knight of Weymouth, there are some great keynote sessions from Jane Balderstone and Rory Kennedy from the Department for Education; Robert Gould, Partner at Barker Associates, and Associate Director Matt Robertson of LocatED. The conference will examine the future of school buildings and the development of the schools estate in England – including improvement of estate quality, the school buildings market, and maximising the benefits of improved facilities.

 

The agenda looks at:

  • improving the quality of the schools estate in England – key priorities moving forward – effective digital infrastructure – developing facilities fit for the long term
  • the school rebuilding programme – policy priorities – rollout – lessons learnt so far
  • the current school buildings market – strategies for land acquisition
  • environmental sustainability and energy efficiency – school buildings for the future – role in contributing to net-zero – cost of running school buildings amid rising energy prices
  • benefits of improved facilities – impact on educational outcomes – teaching quality – maximising community use

More info and booking details can be found here.

It should be a thought-provoking day with lots of opportunities for discussion, we’re looking forward to it 😊