Learning Light helps Xoolon find the next Colin Jackson, Sebastian Coe or Sally Gunnell

Learning Light (LL) has helped Xoolon – a fledgling e-learning business – to launch the Xoolon Sports and Fitness Academy, a revolutionary sports portal designed to improve primary and secondary schoolchildren’s sporting prowess and lead to better targeted teaching. Launched in July, the service is being piloted by schools around the country.

Physical education (PE) staff use Xoolon to evaluate pupils’ key mental and physical strengths. The system pinpoints those sports most suited to individuals and highlights ‘gifted & talented’ as well as low ability students.

The portal also offers the PE department its own customisable online space to access ability assessment, communication tools, bulletin space, advice on health and educational resources and a comprehensive database of local clubs and facilities.

“The Xoolon sports portal combines ICT and education across the curriculum,” explained LL’s David Patterson. “It dovetails with nutrition and Healthy Schools initiatives, maths (in graphical representations of PE results) and biology (analysis of sports moves and impact on body) and can boost overall grading in many areas of Ofsted inspections including quality ICT resources, PE and the overall health and happiness of the school.

“Xoolon’s sporting concept is stunning and, with the preparation for the 2012 Olympics already underway, it really shows some innovative thinking which could easily pay off in terms of Olympic medals and other international sporting accolades,” Patterson added. “LL has used its pool of associates to source additional help and expertise for Xoolon, introducing - in this case Graham Moodie of Hocapito – who has been instrumental in helping Xoolon to market their unique portal through offering the company practical marketing advice.”

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Notes for Editors
A case study relating to the use of the Xoolon system at Downend School in Bristol is available, on request, from:
Bob Little Press & PR (tel 00 44 (0)1727 860405; email bob.little@dial.pipex.com)


About Learning Light Ltd
Learning Light builds relationships between learning technology researchers, suppliers, buyers and learners providing learner-centric information to encourage the growth of learning technologies. By sharing comprehensive research, highlighting successes and failures, Learning Light helps to promote the learning technologies community.

Sheffield-based Learning Light is supported by Yorkshire Forward, the regional development agency for Yorkshire and the Humber, and the European Regional Development Fund.

Further information from:
Mark Pittaway/ Kay Simpson, Learning Light, +44 (0)114 201 5703
Bob Little, Bob Little Press & PR, +44 (0)1727 860405