The college is committed to developing new and innovative ways to enhance the learning experience and engagement of all students across all different programmes of study. A central strategy in the development of our learner skills is providing them with the opportunities to have learning experiences that they would not have otherwise had. This also extends to key stakeholders, namely, community-based groups, local schools and local employers. Year 1 has seen the successful build and installation of the ‘Igloo’, and as such, plans for Year 2 implementation on the active use of the technology is well underway.
Key support staff have undertaken a series of essential core skills training in system use and operation of the Igloo Core Engine programme. One member of staff is mid-way in completing the Level 5 Diploma in Digital Learning Design. Wave 1 end-user Igloo training has been completed with 16 teachers, with Wave 2 planned to be delivered internally with more groups of teachers in the new academic year.
Research has been undertaken to explore diagnostics tools to assess individual staff digital capabilities. In practice sharing with Sunderland College, BSIX has opted to roll out the JISC Discovery Tool, which will provide base-line self-assessment points to target the individual staff development points for upskilling digital competencies. Staff members have also engaged in a variety of professional development days at Sunderland College and West Suffolk College (XR Lab) to see real-time immersive lessons and digital pedagogical approaches.
Senior leaders have planned a series of employer engagements events in partnership with the local authority. These events are designed to target interested business in the sectors of healthcare and engineering for the development of bespoke training content.
