Portal technology is an effective way of enabling education professionals to share data and manage their content. By pooling essential resources into a single location, users can have all the information they need at their fingertips, as well as a greater opportunity to collaborate and communicate together. Microsoft's portal solutions offer a rich suite of easy-to-use tools and help simplify data management within a network. They can also give users immediate access to resources, and control over when and how they share information. Portal technology offers even more advantages when integrated with a management information system (MIS). The Educational Benefits of Portals- Portals enable teachers to view information about individual pupils as well as information about their class as a whole
- Teachers and pupils can share resources across the network, such as calendars
- Users can share important information such as details to support government funding requests or Freedom of Information Act 2000 requirements
- Lecturers, tutors and administrators can centralise and personalise their information, such as lecture outlines and schedules
- Different schools and LEAs can even share information using portal technology
On This PageCase Studies
A number of Microsoft Partners have already begun working with universities, colleges, schools and local education authorities (LEAs), with the aim of demonstrating the value of portal technology in supporting strategic organisational change.
Find out how schools have taken advantage of Microsoft portal technologies below.
Unlocking Children's Potential
Mere Green Combined School, in Birmingham, has enabled pupils to work more closely together and develop their own schoolwork portfolios using Microsoft Windows SharePoint Services and Microsoft Office 2003. By encouraging them to collaborate and participate, this flexible learning solution has motivated the pupils and enabled teachers to concentrate on delivering the curriculum.
Improving Support and Flexibility
Southampton Local Education Authority (LEA) is the first LEA to try out cutting-edge Microsoft Learning Gateway technology. The Gateway will allow parents, teachers and pupils across the full range of abilities to work collaboratively, as well as extend the learning day and make provision for pupils unable to attend school. Southampton also hopes to develop pupil engagement in learning and give greater control over personal study.
Responding to Information Demands
Colchester Institute wanted to bring together its data assets and put them to better use. Using Microsoft SharePoint Portal Server 2007, it ran a pilot to centralise and personalise information for lecturers and administrators. Users now locate information quickly, and from a variety of sources, using a single portal.
University Turns Virtual Learning Into an Academic Reality
Nottingham Trent University wanted to ensure its students were fully supported throughout their academic studies. It also wanted to stimulate enthusiasm, retain existing students and attract new ones. The university has created a fully fledged virtual learning portal (VLP) built on Microsoft Exchange Server 2000 and Microsoft Windows to enhance the staff and student experience and meet government objectives.
Collaborating Via a Student Portal
Kingston University, located in southwest London in the United Kingdom, needed student and staff portals, including personalised workspaces for 22,000 users. It had already migrated its email messaging system to Microsoft Exchange Server 2003 communication and collaboration server. Working with Microsoft Gold Certified Partner Silversands, the university implemented the complete Microsoft collaboration environment.
Products Used in This SolutionSee below for more information about the products that enable the success of a portal solution. Your reseller can help you find out which selection of products will be suitable for your needs. SharePoint Portal Server 2007Microsoft Office SharePoint Portal Server 2007 improves communication and collaboration by providing users with a single point of access to applications and information. Content Management Server 2002Microsoft Content Management Server 2002 enables users to create, upload and maintain content-rich websites. Exchange Server 2007Microsoft Exchange Server 2007 is a reliable and easy-to-manage messaging solution that enables remote users to work together. Internet Security and Acceleration Server 2006Internet Security and Acceleration (ISA) Server 2006 provides a fast and secure Internet connection. It also includes a multilayer enterprise firewall and a scalable, high-performance web cache. Microsoft ReaderMicrosoft Reader 2.0 enables a user to read an eBook on-screen. Download Microsoft Reader today and choose from thousands of Microsoft Reader eBooks. Microsoft Office 2003Microsoft Office System 2003 offers a suite of applications, including Word, Excel, Outlook and PowerPoint that can help students learn. - Find out more about Microsoft Office 2003
Microsoft Windows Server 2003Microsoft Windows Server 2003 supports the multitude of applications used throughout an educational institution. It can also integrate with technologies such as smart-card authentication systems, and wireless and USB connections. | 
