11 OCT 2016

Tech in FE - Where are we now

I'm pleased to report that since my brief moan back in February about the multitude of unconvincing arguments to increase the use of technology in FE, there have been some really positive steps and initiatives taken.

I'm pleased to report that since my brief moan back in February about the multitude of unconvincing arguments to increase the use of technology in FE, there have been some really positive steps and initiatives taken. Providers are taking the time to thoroughly research the topic to find the most effective tech solutions and ensure they produce tangible learning results. In addition to this, they are creating the structures needed to support Colleges, Lecturers, and providers to increase their use of technology and improve its efficacy.

FE Sector Leading the Way

Although several of the FELTAG report recommendations were not taken up, it did represent a shift in thinking about Learning Technology. The Government and FELTAG placed a considerable responsibility on the Education and Training Foundation and Jisc, and along with the Association for Learning Technology (ALT) and Colleges across the country, they are making an impressive amount of progress. Maren Deepwell, Chief Executive of ALT, points out there is “more online and blended delivery going on” with a “real increase” of around 30% in the number of FE teachers getting involved with ALT  since the FELTAG report was published. They are doing this “in order to upskill, in order to network, in order to share practice that works." And from what she can tell, it is proving a success, as it's “those colleges that collaborate and network beyond their own four walls seem to be far more successful”.

Backed up by Research

What is pleasing is that they are not only developing the use of tech in FE but working hard to ensure its efficacy. The recent ALT Conference demonstrates a sector-wide focus on researching what works and forming networks to share this valuable information. Some examples of this initiative are below.

Jisc

At the ALT Conference, Jisc launched its report into creating the kind of online learning experiences that learners value. Their important findings lead to the following valuable recommendations:

• Teach responsively, with consideration to learners’ differing motivations, interests, learning histories and resources
• Prepare online learners to study online, including norms, practices, expectations, good study habits and functional access
• Enable learners to use their own devices, services and skills
• Support access to rich and diverse learning content
• Provide a digital environment that is accessible, social and personalisable, meaning open for some learners but secure for others

HUBBLE

Short for ‘Heutegogical Unification by Blended Learning Environments’, HUBBLE is a project to test digital learning materials with a number of Colleges in an effort to work out how they can best be used to help students. The project, led by Anthony Bravo and Martin Biron, seeks to test the assumption that blended learning could benefit vocational learners. Bravo asserts “for people to fully understand the significance of blended learning in vocational education, we needed to demonstrate the benefits that come with the use of digital." A key area that Mr Doel, former AoC Chief and overseer of the HUBBLE project, said he was keen to explore through the research is how the sector will move “towards the democratisation of content, now that content can be produced at many places and at many times.” So far 6 Colleges have signed up to test the GVS software which is stocked with materials designed to work alongside the core teaching curriculum. Initial results are incredibly positive, so the study looks set to provide some tangible evidence on the benefits of Blended Learning at last.

Sharing the way to the future

As the sector is discovering, the coordination of resources and support is of huge importance...

The Blended Learning Consortium

have made a huge difference with their scheme to provide high quality shared resources specifically developed for the FE curriculum. They have had loads of interest in the scheme, and with 71 Colleges now signed up they are growing in size, scope and resources by the day.

Jisc

is piloting a student digital experience tracker to allow Colleges to better speak with learners and to engage “with their learners in the developments around digital.” The feedback it has provided to Barton Peveril Sixth Form College has proven invaluable in helping them further develop their digital environment.

Colleges

are getting thoroughly stuck in to trialing and testing various forms of technology and sharing their results with the wider FE community. Have a look at the College feedback section in FE Week's 'Connect, Collaborate, Create' tech in FE supplement to see which solutions Lecturers are trying out and finding effective.

What's the tech story at your College?

Do let us know about your College's use of technology in the comments.