StoweNet refreshed After loTs of feeDback and testing, we have made some small improvements to Stowenet, which will make a big difference To the way that it can be used. ScRoll down for a short brIefing on the upcoming update...
Why update it at all?
The speed of StoweNet is often raised as a issue by staff. This update aims to rectify this problem.
StoweNet is a crucial part of our teaching day. This academic year alone, 1,221 different users have loaded the StoweNet homepage over half a million times. Developing this is an important priority.
Some staff and pupils are using StoweNet extensively in their teaching and learning. Improving the site and sharing ideas could help to save a little time and enhance your teaching.
Problems?
If you have problems at any stage of this process, please feel free to email pgriffin@stowe.co.uk for some support.
Timeline for the update
There is never a perfect time to do this work in schools but the timetable below is aimed at minimising the disruption...
4th July: stop editing current StoweNet for about 10 working days. You can still view the old site but nothing you change will be updated.
18th July (if not before...): we will email you letting you know that the change has happened. You can then log in to new StoweNet (instructions below) and set prep and edit pages; just like the current site.
July & August: email me with any problems to iron out
September: explore the new features and ask for help where you need it
Top five features to try
- Speed- much quicker page load times
- Colour- the new colour scheme is bright, matches with other linked websites and aims to look particularly good on tablets and phones
- Links to OneDrive and Office 365- use these to store, edit and share your work files anywhere in the world
- Mark book- this is being used by some staff and could make your feedback and assessment quicker, easier and more visible to students (more training to follow)
- Blogs- places for students and staff to write up their thoughts and share their work
Are there any drawbacks?
We hope that once you have used the site in September, you will feel that this is good step forward and that the changes are worthwhile. However, you might notice the following:
- Timetables no longer pull through to StoweNet (for a bunch of different reasons). These will have to be printed or emailed to students. Staff can still see these on Apollo. Encourage pupils to us a timetable app or take a photo of it instead.
- Log in- you might notice that you are asked for your password more often when at school. However, this password should also log you in to a range of other services at the same time, so hopefully not a huge hassle in the long term.
- Transition issues- we have done lots of testing with a teacher group and ironed out major obvious issues but some of your pages might not display in the way that they currently do. Let us know about any little bugs and we'll help you to sort them.
How do I log in when it's ready in July?
Follow the instructions below to get logged in. The first time will take a minute or so. After that it will be just one or two clicks.
Step one: Follow the link below. This will also be updated on the Stowe website.
Step two: click on "Office 365"
Step three (READ CAREFULLY): if you are at school, the website will recognise you. If you are not at school, you will need a username and password.
Username NOT your email address. This is your usual school username followed by @stowe.co.uk
E.g. pjg@stowe.co.uk
Your password is the same as it is at school
Step four: You will probably be presented with a "fair usage agreement". Scroll to the bottom, type "I agree" and press "OK".
You should now be logged in and next time it will be far easier. Have a play with the site and let me know what you think.
