Global Studywiz Mobile Research Study – Positive Interim Findings

The interim findings of a global mobile learning research report involving the use of the new Studywiz Mobile learning environment with iPod Touch’s are revealing that mobile learning has potential to re-engage learners by improving attendance and interest levels.

Report author Cecilie Murray from Delphian eLearning, is exploring the potential of mobile handheld devices to enhance learning in a global context in this bold, new, learner-centred research project. The views and ideas of students about how the visual interface of mobile technologies can increase engagement and enhance learning are being investigated and tested in a practical classroom environment, around the essential question, How can access to mobile device improve our students’ understanding of themselves in a global context?

The research sponsor, Etech Group, is keen to identify factors that promote improved learning and teaching when students interact via the Studywiz Mobile learning environment using a mobile handheld device, such as the iPod Touch.

Two schools from Australia and Singapore participated in Phase One of the leading edge project, collaborating and interacting via the Studywiz Global Community. In Phase Two, other schools globally will be invited to participate.

According to Cecilie Murray, “In this interim report, we can identify that mobile learning and mobile devices like the iPod Touch engage and motivate students and improve their engagement. This has been demonstrated by improved attendance, more active participation in class, better preparation and organisation for class, more regular completion of school work and homework and enjoying learning as a ‘fun’ activity. It also has benefits for teachers and schools in terms of enabling attendance logs to be sent instantaneously to school administration, and as immediate communication available from one teacher to another”.

“We’re really excited by the possibilities for mobile devices and our new Studywiz Mobile learning environment to extend the learning opportunities for students” commented Etech Group CEO, Geoff Elwood. “Phase Two of the project will include students from the UK; where it’s particularly relevant for students undertaking the new 14-19 Diplomas. These students are learning on the go, between schools and workplaces and the need for a mobile learning platform and device is obvious.”

Used in 26 countries worldwide, Etech is the only supplier of learning platforms with a global presence and a proven track record in large scale deployment of (VLEs), including supporting the UK’s largest eLearning deployment at Hampshire County Council and the world’s largest one to one laptop program in the State of Maine, USA.

For further information and an interim report summary contact:
Fiona Martin
fiona@etechgroup.com.au
+61439979804

Etech scoops TAS ICT Industry Awards in Australia

Etech Group won the award for Innovative ICT Product at the Tasmanian Information Communication Technology (ICT) Awards in Australia and then scooped the major award category President’s Award for Excellence in ICT.

The Premier of Tasmania, The Hon David Bartlett MP (R) congratulates Geoff Elwood, CEO of Etech Group (L) on the Innovation ICT Product Award and the President’s Award for Excellence in ICT Award

The prestigious awards by TAS ICT were presented before 300 ICT leaders at a gala function at the Tattersall’s Park Function Centre in Hobart, Australia on Friday 7 November 2008.

Etech Group won the top category prize President’s Award for Excellence in ICT for the most successful ICT solution and also collected the Innovative ICT Product award for the delivery of innovative ICT solutions with their market leading education learning platform, Studywiz.

“Etech is delighted with the recognition of our world leading technology and the ability to grow so strongly internationally,” said Geoff Elwood CEO of Etech Group.

Through receiving this award, Etech is recognised for its technical innovation and strong business model as well as growth in offshore revenue and in local employment.

Geoff Elwood said the awards also illustrate Etech’s ability to be at the forefront of R&D and product development and keep ahead of competitors not only in Australia but globally. For example, in just two years, Etech’s learning platform Studywiz has become one of the top three in the UK education market.

The TAS ICT Awards top off a successful year for Etech Group, who also won the Australian Information Industry Association ‘Best of the Best’ iAward for most successful ICT company in May and scooped up international awards for the UK Handheld Learning Award for Innovation and USA Tech & Learning Award for Excellence in October.

Etech Group is a software development company with 15 years experience in education software development. Its learning platform Studywiz is used in 26 countries worldwide with recent achievements including implementation in the largest educational laptop project in the world, the State of Maine, USA; chosen as the critical component for the UK’s largest local authority eLearning deployment; and deployed country wide in The Cayman Islands. Etech Group is also the only non-European company to be accredited by the British Government to supply learning platforms to 29,000 schools in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

For further information on Etech Group please visit www.etechgroup.com.au

Etech Group Announces Major Strategic Alliances

Etech Group has struck major strategic integration alliances that will streamline educational technologies and open the door for greater learning opportunities.

Education content and service providers around the world have chosen to integrate with Studywiz to enable educators to easily access a wide variety of content and services from within their Studywiz learning platform to enhance teaching and learning initiatives.

“These alliances are important in helping us to provide schools with a learning platform that will set them up for the future,” said Geoff Elwood, CEO of Etech Group. “As teachers become more familiar with using technology they will want greater access to a wider range of resources and tools to increase learning outcomes. Single sign-on integration for educators from Studywiz opens the door to the latest media rich content and services that will enable them to leverage the full power and potential of Studywiz to meet the needs of each student.”

Etech Group and Studywiz provide single sign on integration with the following partners:

• Young Digital Planet
  Offering integration to diverse a collection of engaging, rich media curriculum resources for primary and secondary years through Studywiz.
• ClickView Lite
  Educational digital media solutions providing integration to search, stream and embed 1200 digital video resources within Studywiz.
• Turnitin
  Online plagiarism prevention standard that scans student assignments submitted in Studywiz for originality to enhance academic integrity.
• Aquaminds
  Developer of Noteshare, will enable integration of media rich documents and web notebooks within Studywiz.
• Edustructures
  Etech Group to serve as a sales and support channel for Edustructures’ market-leading SIF works integration platform solutions in Australia.

For further information on integration partners please contact the companies directly. To set up single sign-on access please contact Studywiz Global Support at support@studywiz.com

Etech Group receives official recognition from Australian Premier

At a special ceremony in Tasmania, Australia, Premier David Bartlett personally congratulated Etech Group on being recognised as the most successful ICT company in Australia, thanks to an innovative eLearning product called Studywiz.

The Tasmanian company recently won two prestigious awards at the Australian Information Industry Association Awards.

“The future I see for Tasmania is a clever one where we lead the world in innovation, Etech is a perfect example of this,” Mr Bartlett said.

At the AIIA awards, Etech picked up the top prize “Best of the Best” Inspiration Award for most successful ICT company in the nation, and the Education and Training iAward for the delivery of innovative education ICT solutions.

“I am particularly proud that Tasmania is leading the way with an educational product.

“Improving education outcomes is crucial to the success of any economy and one of my major priorities as Premier,” Mr Bartlett said.

Etech has 15 years experience developing educational software for schools, universities and the corporate sector. The company’s head office is in Hobart, with offices also established in Melbourne, China, the United States, UK and Russia.

“Etech has demonstrated how a successful company can reach from Tasmania to the world.

“The May 2008 Sensis Business Index shows business confidence in Tasmania continues to be above the national average, we were also the only state or territory, with the exception of NSW’s to record an increase in exports last quarter.

“A strong economy, business confidence and a growing reputation for innovation make Tasmania the ideal base from which to do business with the world.

“In Etech’s case, Studywiz is being used in more than 22 countries.

“It is one of the top three learning programs in the UK, while in the US, the State of Maine has implemented Studywiz as state-wide solution to support the worlds largest one to one laptop program.”

Mr Bartlett got an opportunity to experience Studywiz first hand. Rosetta High School students tested the Premier’s knowledge, his efforts rewarded with a special certificate.

Etech will now represent Australia at the prestigious Asia Pacific ICT Awards in Indonesia.

Etech Group and Studywiz win ‘Best of the Best’ at ICT Industry Awards

Etech Group has scooped up two ICT industry standard awards for Education and Training and the overall Inspiration award that acknowledges Etech Group as the most successful and innovative ICT company in Australia.

The awards by the AIIA (Australian Information Industry Association) are the most prestigious in the ICT sector in Australia and were presented before 800 ICT leaders at a gala function at the Crown Casino in Melbourne last night.

Etech Group won the top prize ‘best of the best’ Inspiration Award for the most successful ICT solution in the nation and also collected the Education and Training iAward for the delivery of innovative education ICT solutions with their market leading education learning platform, Studywiz.

“Etech is delighted with the recognition of our world leading technology and the ability to grow so strongly internationally,” said Geoff Elwood CEO of Etech Group.

As an AIIA winner, Etech Group has been invited to represent Australia at the prestigious Asia Pacific ICT Awards (APICTA), which will be held in Indonesia 2008.

Through receiving this award, Etech is recognised for its winning business model that encompasses strong innovation and customer focus to its learning solutions design.

Geoff Elwood said the awards also illustrate Etech’s ability to be at the forefront of R&D and product development and keep ahead of competitors not only in Australia but globally. For example, in just two years, Etech’s learning platform Studywiz has become number one in the UK education market.

“This is a team effort. Everyone at Etech has been able to demonstrate an ability to show outstanding customer service, effective marketing strategies and importantly, innovative product development,” he said.

Etech Group is an Australian company with 15 years development experience in education software development. Its learning platform Studywiz is used in 22 countries worldwide with recent achievements including implementation in the largest educational laptop project in the world, the state of Maine, USA; chosen as the critical component for the UK’s largest local authority eLearning deployment; and rolling country wide to all schools in The Cayman Islands. Etech Group is also the only non-European company to be accredited by the British Government to supply learning platforms to 29,000 UK schools.

New Etech Group website launched

Etech Group, makers of Studywiz, has launched its fresh, new corporate website to reflect the strong growth and success the company has recently experienced worldwide.

The refurbished website now features cleaner, simpler navigation and is built with a scalable design to support future initiatives and developments as the company continues to grow and prosper.

Images of the Etech Group team are featured throughout the site to showcase the wealth of experience and fresh young talent that make up the personable, vibrant and innovative workplace at Etech Group.

Visitors to the website can easily access Etech Group’s world leading and dynamic Becta approved learning platform Studywiz from the homepage. The site also features a new section for investment opportunities while still giving prominence to many of the popular pages including product and services, key management and latest news.

Visit the new Etech Group website at www.etechgroup.com

Etech Group win Tasmania State iAwards

Etech Group is today celebrating the win of an AIIA (Australian Information Industry Association) State iAward for Education and Training. Etech Group won the Tasmania State category for its learning platform Studywiz and now proceeds to the national finals in May 2008.

The iAwards honour the most outstanding information and communications technology in the country and recognise excellence in innovation across a range of important fields including education, finance, government, media and security.

Geoff Elwood, CEO of Etech Group, commented “Etech is buzzing today with the announcement of a state win in the prestigious iAwards. It is an endorsement of our ability to remain the most dynamic and innovative learning platform provider in the global education market.”

Studywiz is currently used in 20 countries worldwide and the recent release of Studywiz 9.3 is the biggest update yet with new features including a dedicate mobile interface, student-rated galleries and shared eLockers.

Winners of the national 2008 iAward will go on to represent Australia at the Asia Pacific ICT awards in Indonesia, November 2008.

For a free personal Studywiz demonstration email info@studywiz.com

New UK Technical Support Team!

Etech Group is pleased to announce a number of new services now available as part of the Studywiz Support experience.

Today we are launching our UK Technical Support Team!

The team will be contactable all hours on a newly created emergency contact number and our Technical Support Officers are also available to visit schools to provide on the ground Integration Assistance.

“We are very excited about the added level of technical support that we will now be able to offer our UK users,” said Mike Damiano, Vice President Europe, Etech Group

“This initiative continues to strengthen the reputation that Studywiz enjoys as being the most comprehensive learning platform available with a strong commitment to implementation, technical support and accredited training,” he said.

The creation of the Technical Support Team is the latest expansion for the UK office following the recent recruitment of Business Development Executives, Support Engineers and Curriculum Support Executives to provide expert services for the growing number of Studywiz users in the region.

To learn more about the new services on offer click here.

For any questions regarding our support services please don’t hesitate to contact Global Support on support@studywiz.com.

AUS $1.8 Million Funding Offer

Etech Tasmania was a successful applicant in the third round of the Intelligent Island Market Access and Partnership Program, which is funded by the Australian Government and is administered by the Tasmanian Department of Economic Development.

The AUS $1.8 million will be used to support the major current development of the Studywiz Mobile Learning interface and content.

“This is an incredible boost for Etech Group and it is wonderful to have the support of the Tasmanian Government. Mobile learning is the way of the future and this funding not only supports the expansion of Studywiz but also enables it to remain the most innovative and competitive product in the global market,” said Geoff Elwood, CEO of Etech Group.

For further information contact Conrad Spendlove, General Manager and Chief Operating Officer, on +61 3 9639 9677.

It’s official – iPods help learning as well!

The results of a four month research project conducted at Heathmont College in Melbourne has found that using iPods as a mobile learning tool in conjunction with video podcasting can have a significant beneficial effect on student learning and teacher interactions.

The trial – a joint project from the Department of Education in Victoria, Delphian eLearning, Etech Group, Apple Australia and The Learning Edge – found that not only did students improve their performance and test scores after adopting iPods in the classroom, it even had a positive effect on their behaviour.

Students said they found it easier to understand and comprehend information for longer periods of time, especially in more complicated areas such as mathematics, after using iPods and video podcasting.

Not surprising, work output increased as students enjoyed using the new technology. Teachers reported that students using iPods had progressed further than the other Year 8 classes and behaviour, motivation and organisation were other key areas identified as having improved.

The iPodagogy trial – a first for Australia – also changed the way teachers interact with their class and allowed them to personalise their teaching experience to suit the child.

Geoff Elwood, CEO of Etech Group, says this research project proves how iPods and Studywiz enhance student learning and teacher pedagogy in the 21st century.

“Across the globe schools are embracing and implementing this new way of learning and we are very excited that Australia is leading the way in iPodagogy research and finding new ways to further educational outcomes.”

Michael Fitzgerald, Assistant Principal at Heathmont College, says that the teachers are very enthusiastic about exploring the potential uses of iPod technology to help students engage in learning.

“This project provided important feedback regarding the value of technology to students working in a secondary school environment,” he said.

“Following on from the project, Heathmont College will be exploring the use of iPods and Studywiz in physical education, language classes, science and maths at a variety of year levels.”

The project involved a class of twenty-five students in Year 8 at Heathmont who at the start of 2007 were each given an iPod as well as five Apple notebooks to share with their teachers to integrate across core curriculum areas.

Cecilie Murray from Delphian eLearning said the project enabled students to use emerging technologies that are prevalent in their lives outside school which are engaging and motivating.

“What the research reveals is that emerging technologies have the potential to change teacher pedagogy to a learner-centred approach that alters the relationship dynamics and promotes greater levels higher-order thinking by students, in classrooms and at home,” she said.

“The research further shows that new technologies and innovative pedagogies are successful if they are teamed with sound pedagogical discussions, strong school planning and classroom based support.”

Etech Group’s virtual learning platform Studywiz allowed the video material created by teachers and students contained on the iPods to be synchronised with the school’s eLearning infrastructure and also be accessed from home.

The Learning Edge International’s digital repository system EQUELLA integrated with Studywiz to provide a powerful content management system which enabled teachers and students to store and access large files and resources.

The students and teachers using iPods were able to undertake a range of new teaching and learning techniques such as:

• Using podcasts to explain complex mathematical operations
• Creating podcasts to practice German vocab classes out of school hours
• Producing vodcasts on cricket techniques for analysis
• Downloading classwork and submiting assignments from home using Studywiz

Students using iPods and video podcasting to enhance learning commented “Its easier to understand board work as it breaks it down into little parts making it easier to learn” and “The textbook shows why you are meant to do, video show how you have to do it.”

Similar trials in Scotland and the USA, on the use of iPods, also indicate that there is a positive impact on student learning, and the use of a virtual learning environment increases communication between teachers and students and provides access to schoolwork anywhere, anytime.

For a complimentary Studywiz demonstration email info@studywiz.com