TimeTabler NewsLetter  :  October 2009

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Dear Timetabler,
  
Welcome to your monthly TimeTabler newsletter, with useful hints and tips for both new and experienced timetablers.
Now that the new term* is well under way, here are some timetabling suggestions for what to do this month.
 
In this issue:
 
TimeTabler:
1.  If you are New to timetabling.
2.  Assessing your current timetable.
3.  Now that your Export is completed...
4.  The current version of TimeTabler.
5.  This month's Key Topic : Dealing with Part-timers.

Options:
6.  Thinking ahead.
7.  Using Options for Diplomas, and in a Consortium.

1.  If you are New to timetabling
 
If you are new to Timetabling, or new to TimeTabler, then please click on:
http://www.timetabler.com/New-to-TimeTabler.html
to see the quickest way to learn about TimeTabler.
  
  
2.  Assessing your current timetable
 
This is a topic that many timetablers would prefer to ignore ...but it is important to make some assessment of how the timetable is actually working out in practice.
 
In 'The Timetabler's CookBook', section 11.19 explains what you can look for in this assessment ...and page 175 shows you 12 (twelve!) different ways to do it.
There are more details of 'The Timetabler's CookBook' at: http://www.timetabler.com/book.html
  
 
3.  Feedback about your Export
 
By now you will have completed the Export of your timetable from TimeTabler to your MIS (eg. SIMS .net, Phoenix e1, RM Integris, CMIS-Facility, WCBS/PASS, SchoolBase, iSAMS, etc, etc).
Now would be a good time to feed back to us any comments that you have, and any ways in which you would like the Export to be improved.  Please send your comments to: support@timetabler.com
  
 
4.  The current version of TimeTabler
 
Please ensure that you regularly use >Check for Updates to get the very latest version of TimeTabler (it's currently v4.90.50).
The current version of Options is 2.90.08, and the current version of StaffCover is 2.90.10.
 
 
5.  This month's Key Topic : Dealing with Part-timers
 
This month's featured problem/solution is about part-time staff, who can be a big problem for the school timetabler.  
There are 2 kinds of part-timers:
 
(a)  'Fixed' part-timers, that are available only at fixed, pre-determined times of the week.
You can easily specify these fixed times in TimeTabler, on the Staff Availability Screen.
For more details, see Sections H2, H3 in your Manual, and HelpMovie No. 19     
 
(b)  'Floating' part-timers.  For example, a part-timer may have a contract to teach for 4 half-days in a week, but you (using TimeTabler) can decide which are the best 4 half-days for a good timetable solution.
For more details, see Section H4 in your Manual, and HelpMovie No. 20    

If you have any queries on this topic, please contact the HelpLine via the Support Centre:   

Options
 
6.  Thinking ahead to when you will need the Options program
 
We are now working on developing the Upgrade to Options for 2010.
The new version will be available by December.
 
If you haven't yet used the Options software (eg. for devising the best subject blocks for your Year 10 and Year 12) then you can download a free Tutorial version from www.timetabler.com
 
 
7.    Diplomas, and working in a Consortium
 
If you have any suggestions for the Wish-List, please let us know, to support@timetabler.com
 
We are particularly interested in any suggestions or comments about improving Options 2010 so that it will work even better with 14-19 Diplomas and/or when working in a Consortium.
 

 
Best wishes,
 
Chris Johnson
Keith Johnson

PS1.  To see last month's Newsletter, click on: http://www.timetabler.com/eNewsLetter/NewsLetter--September-2009.html
 
PS2.  Next month's Newsletter (November) will include articles on planning for next year's curriculum and timetable.
 
PS3.  If you know another timetabler, who might be interested in the contents of this Newsletter, please feel free to forward it to them.
 
* PS4.  This Newsletter is geared to the first half term in the UK.  Our apologies to our international Users, but we hope that you will save this Newsletter until the appropriate time of year for you.

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