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 explored diagnostic tools to assess individual staff digital capabilities. In practice, sharing with Sunderland College, Hackney Sixth Form (formerly BSix) opted to implement the JISC Discovery Tool, which will provide baseline self-assessment points to address individual staff development needs for enhancing digital competencies. Staff members have also participated in various professional development days at Sunderland College and West Suffolk College (XR Lab) to observe 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.
