Why ICT is used in Varndean eLearning
ICT is used in Varndean e-Learning to create flyers and letters, which are sent to schools to promote products. The department has also created a website to provide potential buyers with a more in-depth description of products and to promote products even more, this helps to create a marketing programme.
To create graphics and text for both flyers and the website, Varndean e-Learning use hardware such as a graphics tablet, an ink jet printer and a computer connected to the Internet (so that e-mail can be accessed to connect Varndean to customers). Software used consists of Microsoft Word Processor and Publisher to create text and Photoshop to create graphics, and Dreamweaver is used to create and design their website.
The Varndean e-Learning department use ICT to easily produce and edit letters, flyers and adverts, which can only be made possible by the use of computers. One of the main advantages to using ICT to produce their promotional flyers is the use of a mail merge, which allows letters to be easily produced that are then sent to customers, as addresses of all potential and current buyers are stored in a database on the computer. However, there are also disadvantages to the use of ICT within the department. The process of editing adverts, etc can be complex and hard to understand, so staff must be thoroughly and properly trained to be able to use certain programs to perform the work necessary.
An example of ICT being used with Varndean e-Learning is a mail shot. A mail shot sends letters to all schools explaining new products and inviting potential customers to seminars. The inputs into the processes are creating a draft letter by hand, creating a leaflet on paper and then transferring this to a graphics tablet and names and addresses stored in a database. The outputs of the process are the leaflet and flyer produced. The actual processes that the leaflet and flyer must go through to be finished are the creation of a letter and flyer, and the mail merge used to send the end product to potential customers, the stored data is the names and addresses of schools stored within a database.
Communications
Varndean e-Learning has very little communication with external companies or departments, as it is able to perform all tasks necessary without outside help. However, Varndean do communicate between computers so that documents can be e-mailed to be printed, or to be sent to someone else in the department.
Customers often send e-mails inquiring about products, etc. and so the only other communication made my Varndean e-Learning is to reply to customer’s e-mails.
Improvements that could be Made Within the Company
One improvement that Varndean eLearning feel could be made is the creation of a more detailed database. This database could include details of purchases from schools, so that schools that have already bought a product don’t receive another letter or e-mail promoting products, which the school already has.
