Learning Light (LL), a non-profit centre of excellence in the use of learning technologies in the workplace, is helping schools around the UK to discover the next generation of this countryís sporting talent ñ through the application of e-learning technology.
Learning Light (LL) has helped Xoolon ñ a fledgling e-learning business ñ to launch the Xoolon Sports and Fitness Academy, a revolutionary sports portal designed to improve primary and secondary schoolchildrenís sporting prowess and lead to better targeted teaching. Launched in July, the service is being piloted by schools around the country.
Physical education (PE) staff use Xoolon to evaluate pupilsí key mental and physical strengths. The system pinpoints those sports most suited to individuals and highlights ëgifted & talentedí as well as low ability students.
The portal also offers the PE department its own customisable online space to access ability assessment, communication tools, bulletin space, advice on health and educational resources and a comprehensive database of local clubs and facilities.
ìThe Xoolon sports portal combines ICT and education across the curriculum,î explained LLís David Patterson. ìIt dovetails with nutrition and Healthy Schools initiatives, maths (in graphical representations of PE results) and biology (analysis of sports moves and impact on body) and can boost overall grading in many areas of Ofsted inspections including quality ICT resources, PE and the overall health and happiness of the school.
ìXoolonís sporting concept is stunning and, with the preparation for the 2012 Olympics already underway, it really shows some innovative thinking which could easily pay off in terms of Olympic medals and other international sporting accolades,î Patterson added. ìLL has used its pool of associates to source additional help and expertise for Xoolon, introducing - in this case Graham Moodie of Hocapito ñ who has been instrumental in helping Xoolon to market their unique portal through offering the company practical marketing advice.î
An all-round appraisal through a series of physical and mental tests entered onto online ëXoolometersí identifies to which six sports children are best suited, making PE fun for everyone and allowing teachers to gain better knowledge of their studentsí abilities.
Pupils and their mentors complete a sports psychology or ëmental toughnessí test developed with Sheffield Hallam University to identify mental strengths and weaknesses, areas of development and to which sports or positions (such as striker or goalkeeper) children are best suited.
The total ëXooscoreí collates each childís mental and physical competencies, allowing teachers to record results accurately against national curriculum standards.
Children can print a certificate from the website showing which sports (from athletics to lacrosse, rugby, tennis and water skiing) are their ëtop threeí, providing a useful confidence boost for those unsure of their sporting abilities. The portal also provides easily accessible links to local sports clubs and facilities, fostering School Sports Partnerships, better links with the community, and making it straightforward for pupils to continue their activities outside school hours.
Access to the Xoolon Sports and Fitness Academy for an entire school is free to all feeder primaries and can be gained via a one off set-up fee for secondary schools. For a per-seat annual sum, Xoolon can also offer easy integration into a range of ten framework virtual learning environments which support the National Curriculum within schools.
Learning Light helps Xoolon find the next Colin Jackson, Sebastian Coe or Sally Gunnell
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