Are using E-Learning journals an easy tool to help track children’s development?

Tracking children’s development is highly important regarding identifying children’s level of progress and attainment levels. It is essential that practitioners are given easy tools to help them when tracking children’s development. Often many practitioners are either taking work home to write up or trying to do this in the room when children are around. With the forever amount of paperwork being given to practitioners to complete it can get frustrating as time is precious enough when working in childcare. Many childcare settings have moved from paperwork learning journals to using E-Learning journals; some would say this saves time, however, mixed views from parents have said this can often take away the personal touch of paper learning journals. Finding the balance is difficult for managers as they are required by Ofsted to show children’s level of progress from on entry to where they are at when an Ofsted inspection takes place.

Using an E-Learning Journal can save practitioners time as there is no time wasted gluing in photos and writing up observations. An E-Learning Journal will enable practitioners to upload photos, choose EYFS Statements to link to and transfer information to other tracking and assessment documents

Digital learning journeys or paper learning journeys

The benefits of using an E-Learning Journal

Easily share information with parents – Most E-Learning Journals has the option of regularly sharing the child’s assessment records with parents. This can be an advantage when children are due to receive their two-year integrated review check. It can also allow parents to communicate child’s development at home by sharing observations taken at home.
The evidence is all in one place for Ofsted to see – Often practitioners can get frustrated when trying to find several pieces of paperwork, when using an E-Learning Journal it can help solve this as all evidence is collated in one place.
Shows several pieces of evidence – E-Learning Journals can easily show several pieces of evidence e.g., for an individual child or a group of children. Some E-Learning journals software can enable practitioners to categorise evidence based on different groups of children, key person, gender, etc
Reduce levels of stress – E – Learning Journals can take away the added stress of having to try and find time to stick and write up observation. Practitioners can quickly identify children’s interests, note their learning and plan child’s next steps.
Gives managers a clear understanding of children’s progress – As Ofsted are very keen for managers to be aware of children’s level of progress, having an easy tool that quickly shared with managers will help give managers a clearer picture of their achievements or whether extra support is needed.
An easy way to monitor practitioners performance – Managers can use the E- Learning Journal as a tool to monitor practitioners performance by looking at observations and assessments carried out. If there is a weakness in how practitioners are conducting observations and assessments, this can be discussed during a supervision.

The points highlighted above are some of the benefits of using E-Learning Journals; it is, however, managers and practitioners choice of what format is used within the setting whether this is a paper learning journal or an E-Learning Journal.

What format do you use in your setting?