Lakes College West Cumbria

Year 3 Micro Project- i-pod, i-books, i-quiz, i-can, i-learn.

At the Lakes College we have started to explore the potential of using “domestic” technology to support learning. The college would like to further advance the use of technology, making it available and accessible outside of the conventional learning environment. We also wish to challenge conventional teaching methods and activities. To do this we want to develop the use of the MP3 and MP4 files. Encouraging learners and staff to create their own files, either audio recordings or video through a variety of different media as well as being able to access the wealth of resources already available globally.

Aims:

• To directly involve the learner in the production of their own learning materials and learning aids.
• To engage learners via the use of existing mobile and domestic technologies.
• To enhance the learning experience through the use of media that is familiar to the learner.
• To encourage and involve curriculum and support staff in the production of accessible learning materials, directing them to a creative and innovative use of different media and experiential learning activities.
• To record and relate skills learnt to evidence ability for e-portfolios, assessors, tutors and employers in line with RAPRA.

Objectives:

To increase achievement rates of learners particularly focusing on lower ability learners who find traditional learning methods and materials challenging. This will be measured through the college data systems. We have used i-pods to produce revision quizzes which a group of non achievers used. They all passed their exams and found the i-pods to be discrete, enjoyable and effective revision tool. Hopefully this project will give us the opportunity to expand and further develop this work. In order for this to be effective we need to allow the learners to have the i-pods for a length of time, which is why 30 i-pods are required to loan to more than one group of learners at a time. We have the infrastructure in place to support the i-pods.

To diversify the nature of resources available to learners and curriculum staff to compliment and reflect the learners’ thinking styles adopting a learner centred approach and produce an additional cache of resources and skills evidence particularly with MP3 and MP4. We have started to investigate the use of MP3 and MP4 files and intend to make Text to Speech available across the college. We intend to measure the use of these types of files, through the amount appearing on the server and drawing a comparison to the current situation. Learners will be encouraged to use their own equipment, (mobile phones, MP3 players etc) to record and create these files. Staff will be encouraged to allow the learners to use their own equipment. The Bluetooth dongles will enable the learners to transfer files to college PCs and vice versa. We intend to issue staff with MP3 players incorporating recording features, Audacity editing software and USB storage facilities can be used as a memory stick. We will also have additional stock to issue to learners if required.

To increase the use of video evidence to capture soft skills which are traditionally difficult to record, measure and confirm, enhancing social skills, independent living skills, confidence, interpersonal skills and self esteem along side skills for life. We currently have some Digital Blue video cameras which have been used among our discrete provision. Feedback from learners, report these as being easy and fun to work with but they feel the cameras are embarrassing to be seen with outside of the classroom. Having looked at different models of cameras we have found that the learners find the “Flip” camera to be easy to use, smart looking and stylish. The in-camera editing software is user friendly and boots up when connected to any PC or MAC. The number of cameras required will enable more than one class can use them at a time.

To increase the scope of the learning environment making learning opportunities available everywhere, not just in the classroom, workshop or Resource Centre.

Contribution to Local and Regional priorities:

We are striving to deliver a learning experience which builds the college’s reputation as the first choice provider for education. To be an outstanding college and to ensure the college offers a stimulating and progressive environment. To work closely with employers to provide vocational training, developing broad vocational pathways and raising the aspirations of people in Cumbria (college strategic objective). The project supports this by exploring an innovative and engaging approach to the production of learning materials, activities and experiences. Providing different media to encourage two way communications between ourselves and employers. Utilising equipment which is familiar to the learners.