Can's approach to help children to read
October 2011
Can Studios is working with Oxford University Press to develop free software for schools that will help improve national reading standards.
We've been developing this tool in response to a Government plan to help teachers to identify children in need of extra support by introducing a new phonics-based screening check for six-year-olds.
Managing director Paul Hilton said:
"We are delighted to be developing this phonics package with Oxford University Press, who chose to work with us because of our vast experience in developing e-learning packages, particularly around the teaching of phonics.
Our tool will allow primary school teachers across the country to prepare for new screening checks supported by a leading name in educational resources."
Read a full article at the Sheffield Star
We previously developed phonics packages for Collins Education, a division of publishers HarperCollins. See the Collins Phonics project here.
New additions to our team
August 2011
We are delighted to announce that three new members of staff have joined our thriving team.
With over 10 years programming experience, Hanzs Wolfgang joins Can Studios as PHP Developer. Hanzs will be working on the next generation of the MyWorks VLE (Virtual Learning Environment) that we have developed for Boardworks Ltd which currently has over 100,000 users.
Also new is Alex Bennell, who will be our Software Test Analyst. Alex is an expert in forensic and security technologies, with an eye for usability - an invaluable asset when designing complex information systems.
Clare Slusar, an experienced 3D computer animation expert, joins Can as a Graphic Designer. She will be leading the development of course materials for a number of new courses recently commissioned.
Paul Hilton, Managing Director, said:
"Hanzs, Alex and Clare bring a great range of skills and experience to Can Studios, enhancing the wealth of expertise on offer to our clients. The new appointments also ensure that as our company grows we can continue to offer innovative services and a level of flexibility which our competitors are unable match."
Office Move
June 2011
Can Studios moved into new office space in the Workstation, Sheffield.
Judging by the amount of stuff we have accumulated over the last twelve years the move to a larger office came just in time. Thankfully only having to move down two floors with the help of a lift has made things a little easier. Just like moving house we moved the important things in first, servers, computers, and tea and coffee making facilities.
With the desks, computers and chairs in place we are back hard at work developing online courses and creating elearning software.
P.S. Why is it that no matter how neatly cables are in a box when you close it , they've tied themselves together when you reopen it.
We are here! Workstation website
Grass Portal - Update
May 2011
After being approached by the University of Sheffield to produce a new brand for their GrassPortal project our task was to produce an exciting identity for this innovative biological resource. Working closely with the Grass Portal team we have developed new logos, icons, exhibition banners, and website design to compliment their database driven content. The new site has been launched this month.
"Paul and his team created and delivered a fantastic logo and webpage for us. They were highly professional, on-time, easy to interact with, and a pleasure to work with. I would definitely recommend them for this kind of work, and to prove it am using them again right now!"
Cambridge Hitachi extended licence
May 2011
Cambridge Hitachi have been swift to extend their license of Willow, Can Studios' dedicated elearning authoring tool. Cambridge Hitachi have made the most of Willows rapid development tools to prototype and develop tens of products over the last three years, including some award winning titles.
As part of the renewal Cambridge Hitachi have also gained access to Zembl, Can Studios new authoring tools which we hope will prove even more efficient, with a flexible system of predefined screen layouts, and less configuration during preproduction.