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Trialling new teaching technology

Like most FE principals, Anthony Bravo has a keen interest in how technology can help improve teaching. He reflects here on the performance of interactive learning software that his college has been trialling and a new two-year study into the effects of blended learning.

Although the phrase ‘blended learning’ has been in use for a decade, many of us are still grappling with what it means for our learners.

However many Further Education Learning Technology Action Group (FELTAG) studies or government initiatives there are about using technology, until we as teachers are comfortable with how it can be used effectively — both in and out of the classroom — it’s not going to feature naturally in our planning.

I had the opportunity recently to explore and even influence what blended learning could mean when I met Martin Biron, managing director of digital publisher Global Vocational Skills (GVS).

It is developing a suite of interactive learning software (i-GVS) and looking for somewhere to trial it.

As a college of technology, I jumped at the chance, and enlisted colleagues from Richmond upon Thames, Highbury and Cornwall Colleges too.

We are already trialling automotive and catering i-GVS units with our students, with other technical areas to be released shortly.

What do I think so far? From a technical perspective, GVS is ticking the right boxes.

The software runs on an industry-standard Moodle platform and can be hosted on your servers or in the cloud (if you want to host it on your servers, our experience suggests a separate Linux server works best).

It will also run on Google Docs. Our IT team installed it — they tell me it was easy to install and configure — and our teaching staff have access to customise it, if they want to plan what particular groups will see, for example.

Learners can log in from anywhere; they can access it from mobile devices but ours found it works better on screens 8” or larger (remember, this is still a pilot).

So what do I think it will mean for learners?

The i-GVS software will allow our learners to be more self-directed than ever.

Feedback on units is instant, not only allowing a student to work at their own pace, but also in a supported way, even outside of college.

It has the potential to widen participation, by engaging our existing learners in new ways and by being a useful weapon in the distance learning armoury.

It also differentiates, appealing to students at different levels and giving them the opportunity to advance their own learning at their own pace — which we see as a fantastic resource for apprentices.

Benefits for teaching staff include providing an additional means to monitor learners’ progression.

In an emergency, it also means learners can still access learning resources if their tutor is ill.

An unintended, but useful, benefit is that it could also improve our efficiency in terms of contact time.

Alongside the development of the software, the partners have launched project ‘HUbBLE’ with Southampton Solent University, a two-year programme to investigate the effects of blended learning and technology in the classroom.

From a technical perspective, it is ticking the right boxes

We are delighted that Martin Doel will lead on this project when he leaves [as chief executive of] AoC in September.

HUbBLE stands for Heutegogical Unification by Blended Learning Environments (to save you reaching for your dictionary, heutagogy is the study of self-determined learning; yes, I had to check!).

So not only are we getting to trial this software, we already have plans to measure how it works for our learners.

GVS is keen to develop interactive materials that work for our sector.

For example, we want to see maths strongly embedded, so are planning a working party of other colleges later this term to bring automotive and plumbing tutors together to explore how this can be done.

No doubt other vocational areas will follow shortly, as well as embedding English.

‘Blended learning’ tools, including i-GVS, will never replace a good teacher and we know that there are no short cuts to outstanding lessons or results.

However, from what we are seeing from i-GVS so far, I certainly think they can provide innovative ideas to help every teacher become a more effective teacher.

Movers and Shakers: Edition 174

Jane Button has been appointed as principal at the National College for the Creative and Cultural Industries in Purfleet.

The college, which opens in September, is for students who want to study a level four professional diploma in technical and production.

Ms Button is currently the director of learning at Lambeth College — where she is responsible for marketing and communications, customer service and administration, admissions, careers, work experience, safeguarding and the pastoral offer.

On the appointment, Pauline Tambling CBE, chief executive of Creative & Cultural Skills who founded the college, said: “Jane brings a wide range of experience of working in the post-16 education sector as a teacher, middle manager and senior leader.

“Jane’s background in the creative industries and in providing excellent opportunities for students and learners is impressive. Her commitment to what we are setting out to do with our new national college is evident.”

Meanwhile, Adrian Bevington has been appointed as associate director at independent training provider, Mitre Group.

Mr Bevington was the former English Football Association managing director and director of communications.

He is currently a UK and global consultant to football clubs, associations, owners, and sports rights companies and has experience of working at the past five FIFA World Cups from 1998 to 2014.

A spokesperson for Mitre Group, who specialise in training and development at sports stadia, said Mr Bevington brings a “vast wealth of experience”.

Jennie Bowmer, the group’s managing director, said: “We are delighted that Adrian will be joining us as an associate director and strategic lead for our sports advisory board.

“The depth of knowledge he has of the football sector, both in the UK and internationally, will complement the skills and experience of our team and support our ambitions to provide the very best training and education for those in sports and stadia.

“I very much look forward to working with Adrian.”

Mr Bevington added: “I’m delighted to be joining Mitre Group, as I’ve been very impressed with the training, education and development programmes they provide.

“Hopefully I can draw on my experience and contacts to support the tremendous work already been delivered by Jennie and the Mitre Group team.”

And Derby College Education Trust (DCET) has appointed Mike Davie as its new executive headteacher.

Mr Davie was the headteacher at Merrill Academy, the only school sponsored by DCET, but will now lead the development of its plans to expand the multi-academy trust in sponsoring more schools, a college spokesperson said.

Derby College chief executive Mandie Stravino said: “We are delighted that Mike Davie has been successful in the appointment as DCET executive head to take the lead in this work.

“The excellent work that he and the senior leadership team has achieved at Merrill during its development as an academy will be continued.”

Mr Davie said: “This new role is a wonderful opportunity to further develop external opportunities for success of Merrill Academy, the trust and other learners in the local area.

“As executive headteacher of the trust, my involvement in the continued improvement of Merrill Academy will remain.”

Marcus Shepherd has now taken over from Mr Davie as headteacher at Merrill Academy.

Feature: Colourful memories for dementia sufferers

A colouring book which triggers memories for people who suffer from dementia and similar illnesses has been created by a student from Blackburn College after he was inspired by his late father, writes Billy Camden.

A mature student from Blackburn College has used the life of his father to create a colouring book that sparks memories for people with dementia.

Neil Floyd was just 16 years old when his dad, Samuel, was diagnosed with Parkinson’s, meaning Neil had to become his full time carer.

Ten years ago it was confirmed that his father also had dementia and Samuel eventually died in 2013.

Inspired by the time he spent with his father, Neil began his illustration and animation course at Blackburn College.

As part of his studies, he has created My Colourful Memories, a colouring book for dementia sufferers with outlines of special moments including children being born, family holidays, weddings, former pastimes and hobbies.

Neil, now aged 47, said: “It has been a personal journey for me.

“When I visited him [Samuel] at the nursing home, colouring was one of the only things we could share and do together.

“He was always talking about the past so the concept came from that. I thought it would be great to create a book that could trigger memories through images.”

Neil confessed that he wasn’t sure what to do with himself when his father passed, but said he had always had an interest in drawing and it was something his dad always encouraged him to pursue.

“The course has been therapy for me because it was what I needed to do at that time. It was a positive step,” Neil said.

“Drawing was something that I always wanted to do and something that my dad thought I should be doing, so I had that in my mind when enrolling.”

Neil admitted that he found it hard going back into care homes as part of the project, but said he had received really positive feedback from the residents.

He said: “The book is benefitting people. Families and carers are sharing stories prompted by memories triggered by the colouring books.

“Nelson Dementia Day Centre started using it and they loved it. They were doing workshops and activities and it has had really good feedback.

“Sometimes, because it works as a visual communication as triggers, the resident doesn’t always have to colour in, they can still communicate through the images and just talk about the past.

Neil’s dad, Samuel, colouring at his nursing home

“It is unique, but it is really my dad’s idea. I think I have created something he would be proud of.”

Neil is now hoping to take the book further and start selling it and making it available for more nursing homes to use once he graduates.

“I don’t want the colouring book to just stay in my folder. I want more people to be able to enjoy it,” he added.

John Harrison, head of school of art and society at University Centre at Blackburn College, said: “We’re all extremely proud. For Neil, this isn’t about completing his illustration and animation course, it’s about creating something as a legacy for his father. In doing so, he has created something that is picking up national interest and is creating a real difference to dementia sufferers.”

Main picture: Blackburn College learner Neil Floyd with his My Colourful Memories book

Out-of-area but not out-of-time

Those of us in FE with even short memories will remember that the Learning and Skills Council (LSC) was scrapped, along with 47 local LSC councils, to remove their planning role.

It is therefore something of a return to the past with devolution of the Adult Education Budget (AEB), with providers facing even greater learner postcode scrutiny.

But new SFA figures crunched by us this week expose the challenge new local commissioners will face.

When they get their hands on the budget, why would they want to pass it on to providers spending it on learners living in another area?

They won’t, so in the absence of a national provider funding system we can expect major upheaval, particularly for colleges and training providers based near to area boundaries.

The end result may be a better one, with less subcontracting and more focus on colleges, in particular, supporting their local community.

But the SFA figures understate the issue, as they are based on the nine regions in England rather than the near 40 commissioning areas.

Any provider expecting a degree of stability over the coming years from the £1.5bn AEB budget will be sorely disappointed.

Devolved commissioning will be complex and the potential for unintended consequences are great.

So before opaque chaos reigns, if not delay then let’s at least be sure there is sufficient time for well-run consultations and pilots.

Gamekeepers turn poachers

Students from Moreton Morrell College have shot past more than 100 other competitors to win an annual college clay shoot-out.

The winning team, made up of four students from Warwickshire taking the level three extended diploma in countryside management, won the British Association for Shooting and Conservation’s (BASC) Gamekeeping College Challenge Shield.

Teams were entered from 11 colleges across the country, with students facing 80 clays over a layout of 10 different stands at Park Farm Shooting Ground, Worcestershire.

The day’s high gun, with the best individual score on the day, was Ben Taylor from Moreton Morrell College, who managed to hit 75 out of 80 clays.

Top lecturer was David Reith, also from Moreton Morrell, with 63 out of 80 clays.

Ben, aged 17, said: “It was a great competition for young gamekeepers to exercise their skills.”

Alex Farrell, BASC gamekeeping officer, said: “It was a fantastic day and great to see so many student gamekeepers come together from across the country to compete on a challenging clay shooting course.”

Picture: From left: Moreton Morrell College clay shooters Charlie Hawkins and George Smith, both 18, Ben Taylor and Neil Taylor, both 17, and Stephen Curtis, BASC director of operations

Abilympic spirit

A computer whizz from New College Durham has shown he is one of the best in the world after competing at the Abilympics — an international competition for people with disabilities.

Ben Joyce, one of only two competitors from the UK, demonstrated his skills in data processing against entrants from 45 different countries, achieving sixth place, and second in Europe.

The 17-year-old, who is studying vocational access level one ICT and suffers from autism, bagged a place in the competition after winning gold at the UK final of WorldSkills in Birmingham.

He said: “This was a fantastic opportunity to represent the UK at the Abilympics. It was not easy but I am glad I was able to compete. The support I have had from college has been amazing.”

John Widdowson, principal of New College Durham, said: “Ben has been a great representative of both his country and his college. He has shown what can be done with hard work and enthusiasm, competing with the best in the world in this field.”

This was the first time the UK had entered the Abilympics. The other competitor was 16-year-old Simon Davies, from Coleg Sir Gâr, in Wales, who finished tenth in cabinet making.

Picture: From left: Abilympics judge Emma Allen, Ben Joyce, and New College Durham vocational access lecturer Colin Galley

Hogging the limelight

Animal care students at Derby College have successfully released two hedgehogs back into the wild, having spent the winter looking after them.

The hedgehogs, named Apollo and Barry, were found locally last autumn and were too small and undernourished to hibernate.

They were taken in by the college’s animal care department and students kept them well fed over the winter months.

The two recently spent two weeks in an outdoor pen to acclimatise, and were then released into the grounds at the college’s Broomfield Hall campus.

A third rescued hedgehog, Zeus, was due to join them but died in his sleep a week before release.

Animal care lecturer Abby Bruce said: “The learners have been monitoring their behaviour during the gradual process of reacclimatising them, and we will be leaving food out over the summer.

“Apollo and Barry are now at a good weight so should survive well in the wild.”

Picture: Animal Care students Abbygale Dale, 17, and Sian Glover, 18, releasing Apollo and Barry back into the wild

Who has joined the SFA naughty step this month?

The Skills Funding Agency (SFA) publishes a monthly update on notices of concern, which FE Week will report on regularly in our new ‘SFA Warning’ section.

The latest to be added to the list on May 10 were Cornwall College and Tower Hamlets College, which received notices for financial health and minimum standards respectively.

Tower Hamlets is the first provider this year to receive a notice of concern for minimum standards.

These are issued if a provider does not, for example, meet a minimum threshold for qualification achievement rates in different types of provision, such as basic skills maths and English.

Notices are also issued to providers that fail to meet the SFA’s criteria for financial health.

The agency collects information from colleges each year in order to give them an overall financial health rating.

It comes after FE Week reported in February that the number of notices of concern issued to FE providers by the SFA had more than
doubled in the last year.

Members of Squad UK announced for euroskills Gothenburg 2016

A team of the country’s most skilled young people have been selected to represent the UK at EuroSkills 2016, but what is its purpose and what benefits can it have on our competitors? Billy Camden investigates

Twenty of the country’s top apprentices and learners will be going for gold at EuroSkills Gothenburg 2016, after being selected for Team UK.

They will compete against the most talented young people, under the age of 25, from more than 30 European countries in more than 35 different skill areas ranging from gardening and stonemasonry to bricklaying and web design.

This year’s competition, taking place from December 1 to 3 in Sweden, will be celebrated as more of a “highpoint” event for the competitors than ever before.

Ben Blackledge, director of education at WorldSkills UK, the organisation that oversees the selection process for the British WorldSkills team, told FE Week: “Being in a European final is a massive achievement and should be celebrated accordingly.

“So, while EuroSkills will still be used as a preparation event for WorldSkills, it will also be used as a motivational event for the team and highlighted as a highpoint in the training process they go through.

“We are only sending our young people who we think will do the best.”

The team will therefore be looking to better the haul of three golds, six silvers and three medallions for excellence they picked up at EuroSkills 2014 in Lille.

Mr Blackledge said the competition would also be used to “benchmark” the employability skills of the UK’s apprentices with those from the rest of Europe.

“That is not just in terms of the actual competition, but also how we prepare our competitors, what happens when they get back, how they progress, and so on,” he said.

The members of Team UK were selected after excelling in the national finals at the Skills Show.

At the national finals, competitors operate at a level three standard, WorldSkills operates around a level six, and EuroSkills is “somewhere in between”, so the team can certainly expect a step up in class when they take to the stage in Gothenburg.

No matter the outcome in terms of medals however, the competitors are set to come back with a greater set of skills that add to their employability credentials, according to Mr Blackledge.

He said: “Ex-competitors have said that being involved in these kinds of competitions improved not only their technical skills, but their professional skills, the kinds of things that we know employers are really keen on.

“These high pressure environments are closely aligned to what it would be like in industry, delivering projects on time, to high quality, so it is best to compete as many times as they can.”

Members of Team UK will now go on to complete an intensive training programme, supported by their trainers, employers and training providers, before competing in Sweden.

After the Euros the competitors will go on to compete for a place at WorldSkills Abu Dhabi 2017.

Last year, the UK team took home three gold, four silver, and two bronze medals from WorldSkills in Sao Paulo, Brazil.

ANGUS Bruce-Gardner — Cabinet maker

Cabinet maker Angus Bruce-Gardner is hoping his tireless work will pay off with a gold medal in Gothenburg after giving up his social life for two years to prepare for the competitions.

The 21-year-old, who is an apprentice with Waters and Acland and trains at Chichester College, said he has had to dedicate his evenings and weekends to “constantly prepare”, but it was all worth it when he got selected for Team UK.

“I didn’t think I was going to get in because the competition was so tough but when I was told I was very excited,” Angus said.

“The process has been really hard and at such a high level so far. I haven’t really had a social life for the last couple of years because I’ve just been on it the whole time and focussed on being successful.”

Angus said that his dedication will also benefit his career because WorldSkills credentials are “recognised by the biggest companies”.

He added: “I’m looking forward to competing abroad and representing the UK. It will be a really good and new experience.”

Lucy Knight — Hairdressing

Lucy Knight is hoping her day-to-day experience of owning her own hairdressing salon will give her the edge over the competition in December.

The 21-year-old, who opened Hair by Knight in Bristol two years ago, also has past experience of competing in the high pressure competitions, having previously been selected for Squad UK.

“I was in the squad but I didn’t go to EuroSkills last time, it makes you want it that little bit more now,” Lucy said.

“It is amazing to be given the chance to go over and represent the UK and show that I am one of the best hairdressers this country has.”

Lucy said her career had already benefitted from being part of the WorldSkills set up and predicted it would only get better as a result of being selected for the games in Gothenburg.

She said: “On my website I’ve got details about my participation in Squad UK, and you don’t realise that a lot of people actually do read that before coming to you for a job.

“It certainly gets my name out there and builds my reputation a bit more.”

Julianne Lavery — Trainer

Competitors will need intrinsic motivation as well as world class talent to be successful at EuroSkills, according to veteran expert Julianne Lavery.

Ms Lavery (pictured right), who has worked with WorldSkills UK since 2012 and trains the visual merchandising competitors, also said their mental strength must be of the highest order if they want to win gold. She told FE Week: “EuroSkills is a step up from anything these young people have done before because they are suddenly facing a more international competition and market.

“The nationals help to highlight someone who is slightly more innovative than our national expectation.

“We then add on another layer to their overall ability, so that by the time they get to the Euros their confidence, interpersonal, and time management skills are more ready for industry.”

But competitors can expect an “endless” repertoire of industry ready skills once they return, Ms Lavery added.

“Every competitor I have trained has ended up getting an amazing job because their skills base is so much more advanced.

“On top of that they’ve got confidence and interpersonal skills, they’ve travelled the world and matured into adults. The list is endless.”

Full details of this year’s competitors