Technology in FE and Skills

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Introduction

This year, the Association for Learning Technology (ALT) celebrates its 20th anniversary and its 20th conference.

The technological landscape has shifted dramatically, in two decades, from computer labs with floppy disks to smartphones and tablet computers carried by students in their pockets.

With this shift has come new possibilities, and learning technologists are seizing the opportunity to work out new and innovative ways to reach and engage with learners.

The three-day ALT conference showcased a huge range of ideas and themes around how technology interact with and impact upon teaching and learning.

It also provided “a unique opportunity for members to share and be inspired by each other’s experience and expertise” as the event chair Malcolm Ryan said in his welcome to delegates (p.3).

On pages 4 and 5, we took the chance to get out and about at the conference and find out more about how technology is being used in education, from an app which teaches maths in everyday life, to using social media to engage students and the increasingly popular Moocs (massive open online courses).

We interviewed the new ALT chief executive Maren Deepwell to find out what she thought of the event (p.4).

Back in January, FE Week reported on the Further Education Learning Technology Action Group (Feltag), set up by Skills Minister Matthew Hancock to find out how the FE sector could embrace different learning technologies.

We caught up with Feltag at their open consultation at the conference (p.6), as well as speaking to Matthew Hancock to find out what they’ve been getting up to so far (p.7).

It’s not just the technology that’s evolved since computers first started appearing in colleges, but the thinking on how to use it as well, as Geoff Rebbeck explains on page 10.

However, this changed thinking has not yet expanded to include research into the FE sector — in fact, as Nigel Ecclesfield explains (p.10), the amount of research done by the sector has fall in recent years.

Emma Procter-Legg also picks up on this theme on page 11, as she examines the potential benefits of changing that situation around.

Educational institutions can often be caught out by rapidly changing technological innovations, leaving their practices and programs obsolete, and on page 11 Bruce Chaloux and Larry Ragan explore how a more responsive system could stop this happening.

One of the more obvious benefits of technology is the increased opportunities for communication, and this, says Sheila MacNeil (p.12) is how support and innovation can be developed.

Shaun Hughes (p.13) looks that the ways that, by replicating the underlying mechanics and principles, games can be used to engage and teach learners, while on page 12, Chris Pegler checks out the learning materials available online.

On page 14, our roving reporter Shane Mann got chatting to some of the delegates on his mission to find out what the next big thing in learning technology is going to be.

Finally, we go out with a bang at the conference gala dinner where, along with fireworks, delegates saw the winners of the Learning Technologist of the year award (p.15), where teams from FE scooped the team prize and a learner of the year prize.

Don’t forget, as always, there are a couple of tech-savvy ways to getting on touch with us — you can add your own experiences on the FE Week website or you can tweet us @FEWeek.

Careers plan after wrath of Wilshaw

The government has announced an action plan to tackle poor careers advice after Ofsted boss Sir Michael Wilshaw attacked schools saying “too few are doing enough” on the service.

Tutor sacked after college sex talk complaints

A college in the North East has sacked a female tutor after she allegedly talked to her class about sex acts, prostitution and fetishes.

Northumberland College (pictured right) principal Stuart Cutforth said the behaviour of the tutor, who has not been named, came to his attention after the college received a letter of complaint in July.

The woman, who was running an employment skills course in Bedlington, was immediately suspended while the matter was investigated by a member of the college executive team.

The college, which achieved a good rating from Ofsted in March, said it dismissed the woman following a disciplinary hearing.

Unemployed Paul Cocallis had been sent on the course by the job centre and told the Evening Chronicle local newspaper that he had been “horrified” by the tutor’s actions.
He claimed that, during the three-week course run by Northumberland College hosted at Bedlington Community College, the tutor discussed prostitution, fetishes and other graphic content.

“It was disgusting really, other members of the class were not happy,” said the 25-year-old.

Mechanic Mr Cocallis added: “It got really out of hand at times but you could not walk out because then it would be reported back that you had not completed the course. You had no choice but to stay and listen.”

Mr Cutforth said: “The college received this complaint on July 29 and put our complaints policy and procedures into place directly. The tutor was suspended with immediate effect.
“The Skills Funding Agency and Job Centre Plus were also notified of the complaint immediately.

“The issues highlighted within the letter of complaint were investigated thoroughly by a member of the executive team and a disciplinary hearing held.

“The outcome of the hearing resulted in the tutor no longer being employed at the college.

“In short, every action possible was taken to ensure that the complaint was dealt with in a thorough and efficient manner and our external agencies are satisfied with the outcome of the actions taken.”

A Department for Business, Innovation and Skills spokesperson said: “The department takes safeguarding matters seriously.

“All publicly-funded providers are responsible for the safety and well-being of their learners and for the professional conduct of their staff.

“In this case the college acted decisively in investigating this matter.”

The Institute for Learning declined to say if the tutor was a member. FE Week was unable to contact the tutor.

College backs down on veil ban

Birmingham Met defended its ban after media attention but has now ‘listened’ to students and ‘modified’ the controversial policy 

A Midlands college has backed down on a security policy that banned Muslim students from wearing face veils.

Birmingham Metropolitan College revised its policy late on Thursday night, ahead of a protest at the college the following day and in light of mounting criticism from the likes of the NUS, local councillors and MPs.

We are concerned that recent media attention is detracting from our core mission of providing high quality learning”

Even Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg appeared to be against the ban.

“We are concerned that recent media attention is detracting from our core mission of providing high quality learning,” said a college spokesperson.

“As a consequence, we will modify our policies to allow individuals to wear specific items of personal clothing to reflect their cultural values.

“The college will still need to be able to confirm an individual’s identity in order to maintain safeguarding and security.

“The necessity to comply with national regulations, examination board requirements and applicable legislation will remain an overriding priority in all circumstances, as will the need to ensure that effective teaching and learning methodologies are applied.

“We have listened to the views of our students and we are confident that this modification to our policies will meet the needs of all of our learners and stakeholders.”
The college hit had the headlines when a prospective Muslim student was told of the policy preventing learners from wearing a niqab.

The girl, who did not want to be named, branded the policy “disgusting” and said she was being “discriminated against”.

Protestors angry at the policy were set to visit the college on Friday, September 13, but the demonstration was called off at the 11th hour in light of the college back-down.

But college principal Dame Christine Braddock (pictured) had appeared to be refusing to give in to pressure on the policy in an interview with FE Week on Wednesday, September 11. However, at that point she declined to comment on whether it would be reviewed in light of objections and media coverage.

“Birmingham Metropolitan College actively engages with our stakeholders and users of our buildings to review our policies on a regular basis,” she said.

Prime Minister David Cameron had also stepped into the row late on Thursday, September 12, apparently in favour of the ban. His spokesperson said: “The point I would make on this is that we back schools being able to set and enforce their own school uniform policies.”

It came just hours after the Deputy Prime Minister said on his LBC 97.3 phone-in radio show: “I’m really quite uneasy about anyone being told what they have to wear and I certainly would need to understand why.

“I think I’ve set the bar very high to justify something like that because one of the things that is great about our country is that we are diverse, we are tolerant.”

The rule preventing use of niqabs — a veil which leaves a thin slot for the eyes — also meant hoodies, hats and caps were banned.

The policy at the college, which had more than 26,000 students just over two years ago before merging with the 12,500-student Stourbridge College this summer, is that individuals should be “easily identifiable at all times”. A college spokesperson said the policy was eight years old.

A Department for Education spokesperson said: “Schools and colleges have the freedom to set their own uniform policies. We expect them to act reasonably in accommodating the needs of different religions.”

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Editorial

Safe AND inclusive 

It was inevitable that Birmingham Metropolitan College would bow to the weight of public pressure.

Clearly, ensuring a safe environment for all learners, employees and visitors is of paramount importance.

And the college policy at Birmingham Met was never intended to offend or discriminate.

Whatever your opinion is about whether this is right or wrong, the college has now listened and seems to have found a way to balance the need for a safe environment with the freedom to wear a veil.

I sympathise with the college’s position and congratulate its principal, Dame Christine Braddock, on being brave enough to modify the policy.

I wish the students and staff both a safe and inclusive start to the year.

Nick Linford, editor 

Commissioner: only the brave need apply

These are the tough nuts you’ll have to crack if you want to be the new FE Commissioner, FE Week can reveal.

The imposing interview panel is a fearsome line-up that includes sector chief executives and directors.

They’re all that stands in the way of the £800 a-day job that includes travelling the length and breadth of the country.

Skills Funding Agency chief executive Kim Thorneywork is the Alan Sugar of the bunch, leading the pack as chair during preliminary interviews and assessments. They’re due to take place October 9 to 11 with final interviews on October 28 and 29.

If a college is placed into administered college or administered institution status the FE Commissioner’s role at this point is to conduct a structure and prospects appraisal,”

Ms Thorneywork will be flanked by the Education Funding Agency’s chief executive, Peter Lauener; Association of Colleges chief executive Martin Doel; and, Ofsted’s national director of FE and skills, Matthew Coffey.

And last, but by no means least, will be the deputy director of the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills Bobbie McClelland.

The menacing quintet was revealed on Tuesday, September 10, with the launch of fecommissioner.com to recruit to the post.

It is the second attempt at hiring for the role, after a failed attempt in May when no-one was appointed despite a number of interviews.

Skills Minister Matthew Hancock said: “We are looking for a high-calibre individual to perform this critical role, with a proven track record of successfully leading and driving change in FE colleges, universities, academies, training organisations or similar types of institution.”

The FE Commissioner will review the improvement plans of troubled colleges within a two-week timescale and brief ministers on the competency of principals and governors.

The successful candidate will also have the power to issue notices of concern to failing colleges and close colleges that don’t improve.

“If a college is placed into administered college or administered institution status the FE Commissioner’s role at this point is to conduct a structure and prospects appraisal,” said Mr Hancock.

“The FE Commissioner will aim to complete the appraisal within three months.”

The job specification says the ideal candidate should have experience developing forward-thinking strategies, leading and influencing complex organisational change and the ability to maintain a positive approach in challenging circumstances. The post is offered on a two-year fixed term contract, with an expected commitment of around 80 to 120 days each year.

Visit www.fecommissioner.com before the closing date of September 22 for more details and to apply.

Barclays sticks by Elmfield Training

The Skills Funding Agency has been “working closely” with Barclays Bank over its apprenticeship plans with Elmfield Training after the provider was banned from taking on new learners, FE Week can reveal.

The multinational bank said last month it wanted to double its apprentice intake to 2,000, despite contracted provider Elmfield having been banned from taking on new learners.

The bank said it wanted to achieve its aim — targeting young people aged 16 to 24 not in education, employment or training — within two years.

The announcement came after the agency’s ban for Elmfield, under a notice of serious breach, over its Ofsted grade four inspection result in July.

The agency is committed to working with Barclays to ensure the continuation of this successful programme.”

A Barclays spokesperson said: “Our commitment is unchanged to apprenticeships. We are working closely with the agency and Elmfield to ensure we meet that commitment.”

Elmfield declined to comment, but an agency spokesperson said: “We have worked closely with Barclays to ensure they are aware of the conditions attached to Elmfield’s notice.Future starts at Barclays will be dependent on the agency’s assurance that Elmfield has made satisfactory progress against their post inspection action plan.”

She added: “The agency is committed to working with Barclays to ensure the continuation of this successful programme.”

Ofsted found outcomes for Elmfield learners were inadequate and the majority of its apprentices did not complete their framework within the planned time.

The inspection report came just months after FE Week reported how Elmfield’s success rates showed just 47.5 per cent of its 13,420 leavers in the retail and wholesale sector, aged 25+, walked away with an apprenticeship certificate in 2011/12.

Although Ofsted acknowledged the provider’s success rates were good in newer areas of provision, accounting for around 20 per cent of its delivery and including banking, some elements nevertheless required improvement.

Elmfield said it accepted the education watchdog’s recommendations for improvement and would, “focus on tackling the success factors identified initially in our self-assessment report”.

Barclays said at the time it would stand by the provider.

The agency’s spokesperson said: “The notice of serious breach issued to Elmfield following its inadequate inspection outcome will remain in place until a full Ofsted re-inspection has taken place.

A condition of the notice is that Elmfield cannot start any new learners with either new or existing employers or apply for growth.

“This condition will only be lifted once the agency is assured that Elmfield is making satisfactory progress against their post-inspection action plan.”

Meanwhile, the agency’s requirements of Elmfield under the notice were disclosed to FE Week following a Freedom of Information Act request.

The agency issued its notice to Elmfield chief executive Simon Shaw on July 15.

He replaced former chief executive Ged Syddall after his resignation in light of the Ofsted blow, although it is understood he remains the provider’s majority shareholder.
The notice said a grade three result was needed from Elmfield’s next Ofsted inspection. 

It also set out seven key areas of concern to be monitored at monthly case conferences arranged and chaired by the agency.

Qualifications cull comes under FAB fire

A cull of more than 1,800 adult qualifications that had little or no uptake has come under fire from Federation of Awarding Bodies (FAB) chief executive Jill Lanning.
The Skills Funding Agency has axed funding for a host of awards, from entry level to level four, as part of its New Streamlined Funding System for Adult Skills from the start of last month

Among the 1,884 qualifications hit for no uptake were City & Guilds’ level one award in creative techniques in jewellery — personalised key fob and the Royal Society for Public Health’s level two award in health promotion.

Many cases of funding are being withdrawn from only one or two of the awarding bodies offering each of the qualifications under scrutiny.

However, a further 197 qualifications that had faced the chop were saved.

They included the Mineral Products Qualifications Council’s level four diploma in supervision of underground coal, shale or fireclay mining operations and City & Guilds’ level three diploma for professional dog stylists.

Nevertheless, Mrs Lanning remained critical of the cull.

“We recognise the agency may need to focus and prioritise the limited public funding available for adult learning, but we do not believe that the approach used to remove funding from individual qualifications with low and no enrolments is an effective way to do this,” she said.

“Many cases of funding are being withdrawn from only one or two of the awarding bodies offering each of the qualifications under scrutiny.

“We are naturally concerned about the impact of this approach on our members, including where funding was removed from one of a suite of linked qualifications offered by an awarding organisation.”

In February FE Week reported how more than 2,400 qualifications could disappear, but in July Skills Minister Matthew Hancock said that 1,884 qualifications would be scrapped following a “thorough” review.

An agency spokesperson told FE Week: “We asked awarding organisations, colleges and training providers to submit evidence for any qualifications they believed should be retained.

“Where we have removed public funding for qualifications with no or low enrolments, we have ensured no gaps in provision for employers and learners.”
She added that the agency would review funding decisions if there was evidence of demand.

And, thanks to a Freedom of Information request to the agency, FE week can reveal that 70 per cent of the qualifications cut were axed because they had no uptake in the 22 months from August 2011, while the remainder were culled for little demand.

Meanwhile, City & Guilds won amnesty for 74 of its qualifications, but lost 345. Its director of policy, research and regulation, Judith Norrington, said: “It’s understandable that the government is keen to focus funding on the qualifications that people are taking.

“Clearly, there is a need to simplify the complex framework system wherever possible — in fact the Qualifications and Credit Framework [QCF] system itself led to awarding bodies producing so many qualifications.

“Our main concern is whether the needs of employers and learners have driven the changes to funding. It’s particularly vital that employers are involved to ensure the funding is directed to the right areas and meets their needs.”

Meanwhile, OCR saw two of its qualifications saved, including its level two certificate in preparing to work in creative media. It lost 192.

A spokesperson for the awarding body said: “The fact that there are so many unused qualifications is a hangover from an old regime and illustrates perfectly the need to get rid of the QCF.

“What is really important is that we all develop new qualifications for new and emerging needs. It is not about the actual number of qualifications, but the right kind of qualifications.”

Careers plan after wrath of Wilshaw

The government has announced an action plan to tackle poor careers advice after Ofsted boss Sir Michael Wilshaw attacked schools saying “too few are doing enough” on the service.

He hit out with the education watchdog’s much-awaited report — Going in the right direction? Careers guidance in schools from September 2012 — offering a damning commentary on careers guidance in schools.

The report showed that 75 per cent of the 60 schools visited were not implementing their duty to provide impartial careers advice.

Skills Minister Matthew Hancock said schools, which have been responsible for providing their 14 to 16-year-olds with careers guidance since 2012, would in future be issued with clearer advice on their responsibilities.

He said he also wanted more employers involved in response to the Ofsted report and also a report this year by the National Careers Council which called for a “culture change” in careers guidance.

“I want all schools to do as the best do — inspiring young people, providing work experience and putting them in touch with employers,” said Mr Hancock.
The National Careers Service is also set to “be improved to give young people a greater understanding of the full range of options available to them”.

The Ofsted report came out on September 10 — the day after Sir Michael praised schools for “radical advances” in inspections.

He said: “Our findings show that too few schools are doing enough to ensure all their students receive comprehensive advice about the breadth of career opportunities available.”
The criticism comes nine months after the Education Select Committee warned of a “deterioration” in schools’ careers guidance.

Committee chair said Graham Stuart said: “This [Ofsted] report makes an irresistible case for change and I very much hope ministers are listening.”

Tristram Hunt, Labour’s Junior Shadow Education Minister, said: “The government’s reforms have brutally undermined careers services for 14 to 16-year-olds.

“This is a matter of social justice and economic competitiveness — young people need the support to make the right choices and the youth unemployment rates are a sad testament to that.”

Association of Colleges president Michele Sutton said: “We are letting young people down if we don’t provide them with absolute clarity on the full range of providers, including sixth form colleges and colleges, and to the widest range of options open to them, which includes further and higher education, traineeships and apprenticeships.”

Stewart Segal, chief executive of the Association of Employment and Learning Providers, said: “The Ofsted report should lead to schools and colleges being more transparent in terms of the careers advice offered and more welcoming to input from training providers and employers.”

David Igoe, chief executive of the Sixth Form Colleges’ Association, said his members “rely on local schools providing information and guidance on all the opportunities available and … too often we felt that this statutory duty was neglected or just blatantly ignored.”

Brian Lightman, general secretary of the Association of School and College Leaders, wanted “high-quality, face-to-face guidance provided by qualified professionals is available in all parts of the country”.

David Hughes, chief executive of the National Institute of Adult Continuing Education, said employers should have a role in schools’ careers guidance.

“Including employers … will go some way to inspiring those wanting to take a more vocational route,” he said.

Lynne Sedgmore, executive director of the 157 Group, suggested colleges step in to help schools, because they “offer excellent advice and guidance services”.

Meanwhile, Karen O’Donoghue, president of the Career Development Institute, called for guidance to be delivered by Qualifications and Credit Framework level six-registered professionals.

College defends Muslim veil ban

A Midland college has defended its security policy that effectively bans Muslim students wearing face veils, but refused to say if it would be reviewed in light of mounting criticism and media coverage.

Birmingham Metropolitan College hit the headlines this week when a prospective Muslim student was told of the policy preventing learners from wearing a niqab.

The girl, who did not want to be named, branded the policy “disgusting” and said she was being “discriminated against”.

Protestors angry at the policy are set to visit the college on Friday according to a Facebook group and the NUS has also hit out at the ban.

College principal Dame Christine Braddock has so far refused to back down on the policy, which a college spokesperson said had been in place for eight years.

But the principal declined to comment on whether it would be reviewed in light of objections to the policy and local and national media coverage.

She told FE Week: “Birmingham Metropolitan College actively engages with our stakeholders and users of our buildings to review our policies on a regular basis.”

The rule preventing use of niqabs — a veil which leaves a thin slot for the eyes — also means hoodies, hats and caps are banned.

The policy at the college, which had more than 26,000 students just over two years ago before merging with the 12,500-student Stourbridge College this summer – is that individuals should be “easily identifiable at all times”.

However, Colum McGuire, NUS vice president for welfare, said: “While it is important to ensure safety on campuses, it should not mean that students lose the right to express their religious beliefs and practises.

“It is unacceptable for a college to enact a policy that, perhaps unintentionally, has a disproportionate impact on a specific group of students due to their faith or belief.

“No group of students from any community should feel specifically targeted due to an institutional policy.

“NUS believes in progressive learning environments and recognises the importance of safe, cohesive campus relations which are open to all.”

But other students at the college — which achieved a good grading from Ofsted in March 2011 — said the ban made them feel safer.

Chante Young, 17, a business student, said: “You don’t know who is underneath it. You can’t see any of their face — only their eyes.”

Dame Christine said: “We have a very robust equality, diversity and inclusion policy at Birmingham Metropolitan College, but we are committed to ensuring that students are provided with a safe and welcoming learning environment while studying with us.

“To ensure that safeguarding is a priority, we have developed our policy alongside student views to ensure we keep them safe.

“This needs individuals to be easily identifiable at all times when they are on college premises and this includes the removal of hoodies, hats, caps and veils so that faces are visible.”

She added: “All prospective and progressing students, as well as staff, have been advised of the policy, which will mean everyone allowed on the premises can understand and know each other in a safe environment.”