A simple network attached storage device would work here. Can store all the first class books, and reading material, so anyone in the local network can access them. You could even go a step further and give each cadet a password protected folder to stop anyone messing up someone else’s book.
That is a good shout to password protect the folders rather than put passwords on the laptops.
I’d rather be in the cloud but hey ho
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I also suggest protecting the folder, rather than each item, do it gives them space to keep notes etc too.
You could of course go the whole hog and set up a Windows server that cadets can login too from each device and manage it that way, but that takes a lot more technical know-how.
That would be more than my budget would allow for in any case.
I just want a way for the cadets to share completed log book sections with staff without going outside policy. Email isn’t really FFP, given the document sizes.
… and for average sqns, struggling to find enough pens and pencils on a night? Let alone a functioning laptop for staff members…
Windos servers…
Dedicated cadet foldets, password protected, scanning…
WAKE UP HQAC. Not every sqn by even half has the resources to acheive this.
They want the books.
Have a freepost address we can send them to.
They file and store them for when needed.
Done.
KISS
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Server discussion should continue here:
I won’t move anything as the high level relevance is established, but more detailed, server (and other solution) specific stuff (hardware, methods of implementation, software, VMs, etc) is away from this topic.
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Ah, but if you are in Scotland, there is an option of a SQA Aviation Level 1, which can be claimed once they have completed First Class - this means that for our recent intake of 25 Cadets, 25 sets of logbooks to scan in and upload. Any volunteers…
Agreed.
I’m interested in solutions for this specific task, ideally low level / no tech. Even if it is paper and snail mail.
Building a server’s a bit too close to the day job anyhow 
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I do fully agree with you. I was suggesting a system that frankly my squadron couldn’t viable do.
What ever happened to sending the books to the wing BTEC officer to then collate and authorise?
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Or, and here’s a really rouge idea…
How about we trust sqn staff when they say the cadet has completed first class, that’s all that’s needed. Maybe some random spot checks if the trust isn’t there?
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Hopefully the ‘fix’ will be on those lines.
There might be some mileage in a printed (so it can be reused) or PDF book with separate capture of the answers via Learn or another route.
We could use MS Forms to capture the answers but it would be a fair bit of work to copy across all the relevant logbook pages. And it woudn’t meet what the awarding body is asking for.
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That hasnt existed since 1953
It’s not something the organisation wants to do; it’s a whole load of extra work for everyone. It’s Ofqual through the exam board that have said what we do isn’t good enough. They’re used to all work being externally marked in almost every subject they deliver and we have been an anomaly for the 15+ years the qualification has been available.
The idea I’ve put forward is to keep issuing the logbooks, but as an optional thing that squadrons can use if they want. Cadets can then in small groups complete the online assessment using the logbook as their notes. This means that squadrons don’t need a whole bank of computers and can do it as and when, just like Leading, Senior and Master now. It also means nothing needs to be scanned or sent off.
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A cadet looking for a promotion?
I do think that when we are giving out nationally recognised qualifications that we need more rigour than at present but understand the extra admin this causes. @anon59391077 puts forward a good way of balancing the two options
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I like that idea and hope they accept it.
I’m currently wondering if we need to get tablets (or more laptops) for the unit, whether a Kindle would do the job - I think the ACF uses them - or do we just ask cadets to BYOD, in which case we need a contingency for those who can’t afford one.
Sounds like a job for a Cadet who needs Volunteering for their DofE to me!
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A new assessment for first class om LEARN or just fill in the logbook?
A first class assessment on learn would be good.
Bring first class into line with the other subjects.
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Voice of reason.
I think I like everything you say and do. Thank you for your hard work!
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