The presentation today at the ISTEC meeting was about FROG Virtual Learning Environment (VLE).  Andrew Duckworth, from Regents International School in Bangkok mentioned that in comparison to StudyWiz it seemed to be a better environment, due to it being more open-sourced, allowing of more plug-ins.

What is Frog?

• An application development platform, with a learning platform built into it – (Scripting functionality)
• Customized for each school
• No programming involved.  All GUI
• Primary and Secondary versions
• Delivered on a server within the school – helps with performance
• Accessible from home
• Social networking modules are incorporated into the interface – Feeds
• Uses SIMS
• Allows SCORM content
• Allows for differentiating using groups
• Froglite – runs in the background monitors and manages documents used through Frog
• Unpacks Zip files
• Allows for permissions
• Has an e-portfolio
• Resources can be turned into widgets – like Netvibes, iGoogle
• Markbook
• Email System
• Planner
• Works with pre-existing CMS (Course Management System)
• Allows access to proprietary programs through secure gateway (for example, students can use Adobe, Microsoft, Sims, etc. from home)
• Computer control within system – switch internet on and off – no screen monitoring though
• Staff notice system – implemented along with champions
• Live, online collaborative documents – form, page-building, diary systems
• Online detention system
• Work-spaces (Groups) are available to be created and managed – allowing groups to collaborate
• Skins (personalized) are available for users
• Mac-style (personal) dashboard
• Integration with Google Apps (Free for Education)
• Parent portal – graphing tools, attendance, behavior, assessment
• Language Character Sets available for database – front end support only in English
• Apps work well in Firefox and are being developed for iPhones and iPads
• Implementation take about 12-18 months

1. 21,000-27,000 pounds initial cost (Servers included – Dell – 2 Terabyte/Mirrored Drive with backups)
2. 5000-7000 recurring prices
3. Financing available
4. 700 student limit

Pretty cool all around.  However, it is expensive for some schools.

The old adage, “You get what you pay for” seems to ring true with this system!