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ELCs can be used to purchase
Digital Learning products, but what are they? |
| A Digital Learning Product is one which is at least 80%
Digital Content. The remaining 20% portion may comprise such things as
support materials, training guides, training, postage costs.
Digital Content is either content accessed using a computer, as in the case of
software, or that simply displayed on a computer screen, as in the case of a web based
resource.
Digital Learning Products INCLUDE:
1. Software Programs like Spex+, Draw and aspexTabs.
2. Related components like training, guides,
delivery costs, up to 20% of the total value of the product.
3. Web based resources which are displayed on the
computer screen.
Digital Learning products DO NOT INCLUDE:
1. Devices like computers, scanners and printers
etc.
2. Computer training.*
3. Books and other printed resources.*
* Except those resources which form a relevant
part of, and comprise no more than 20% of the total value of the product.
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The detailed definition of what
constitutes a Digital Learning Product |
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The term "digital learning product" is defined as an individual item or a collection of items that has been given a unique identifier for Curriculum Online purposes. As a result, a "product" could comprise several components that have been bundled together as a package by a Content Provider.
For example: A CD-ROM, the cost of the postage and packing, a guide to the user, and three days of training in the use of the CD-ROM, can be certified as one product.
All "products", whether they are individual items or a package of components must fulfil all of the following conditions for them to be correctly certified by a Content Provider and as a result be eligible for purchase using eLCs:
(1) A minimum of 80% of the products' component parts are in a digital format with the remaining 20% being attributable to non-digital support materials such as training or guides. For Curriculum Online purposes the term "digital" is defined as either being accessed using a computer (as in the case of software) or displayed on a computer screen (as in the case of a web based resource). Therefore if a product comprises of several components, the value of each individual component needs to be considered when a Content Provider decides if at least 80% is "digital". In the example of a CD-ROM, a user guide and user training: The CD-ROM, if sold as a separate product, must have at least 80% of the value of the package as a whole.What is a digital learning product?
(2) The product must be specifically targeted to support the curriculum as taught in England at Key Stage 1-4 for 5-15 year olds. In other words, the product must not merely be of general use or benefit to teachers. Therefore items such as software tools (e.g. Microsoft Word), digital cameras and projectors can not be certified as Curriculum Online products as they are not specifically aimed at supporting the curriculum and have many other uses.
(3) If the product is priced, all digital components must offer significant additional ICT functionality compared to a non digital form of the same product. In other words, merely scanning an image into digital format or converting to a PDF file would not fulfil this condition as there is no additional ICT functionality such as the ability to cut and paste or otherwise manipulate the data, or navigate to different sections of the product via links.
(4) The product must clearly state any technical requirements/specifications needed to run the product and works well on the technologies specified for those products. In other words, if a product states that a particular operating system is needed such as Windows 98, the product must perform well using that system and not require the user to acquire further technology to use the product.
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