Walsall College

Year 2: Walsall College Molenet Bid 2008/2009

The objective of the project is to re-engage learners (NEET, LLDD, Deaf) through the m-learning forum, through access to various forms of multimedia in a number of settings to enhance their learning with regard to both vocational and academic provision. After the success of e-learning with a previous cohort, this is a positive step in line with progression. There is a real shortage of teaching materials that are appropriate for Deaf learners, who due to their language needs, are generally visual learners. This project will provide learners with new opportunities to access learning in a very unique and individualised way.

Project Aim

The aim will be to identify learners for whom m-learning can be used as a tool for re-engagement and social inclusion, as innovative teaching and learning has been proven to re-engage learners who have had negative experiences of education. The equipment will be used in all forms of learning to ensure that clear evaluations can be taken of the programme and to identify which forms of m-learning work 'best' in different learning environments. We aim to include parents/carers/families by hosting events where they can see the learners using the equipment and students can even take the equipment home to use.

Project Objectives

The overarching objective is to see the development of personalised learning and increased use of ILT. Students are set individual targets and this project will allow for better opportunities for students to meet these targets. It will also facilitate more opportunities for innovative teaching and learning strategies.

The proposed provision will clearly link to other learning and economic strategies within the local area. The College’s 14-19 Strategy and through the City Strategy, NESPs (Neighbourhood Employment & Skills Plans) have identified particular areas of weakness in specific Walsall wards (Blakenall, Birchills, Leamore, Pleck in which the identified cohort predominately reside) and the lack of quality provision for young people is a common factor across all. This activity is therefore intended to drive action to improve employment and skills in these most disadvantaged wards.

The 14-19 Team are experienced in working with the cohort and have success rates of 81% in Key and Basic Skills Qualifications. The pastoral support for each learner is crucial to the re-engagement and success of the learner and the current tutors in 14-19 are highly experienced in retaining and finding appropriate progression routes.

There are a range of activities which will complement the programme which will include football at the local professional club, adopt a baby, fashion accessories; artist’s book fair, aerobics to name some. Individual learners could each have differing barriers and this is where IAG complemented with effective pastoral support is crucial to empower the learner and breakdown cultural idleness. In addition to this, personalised learning through a robust Individual Learning Plan (ILP) will be at the forefront of the programme. From this progression pathways suited to each learner will be sought and Key Workers will review the ILP in order to assist with success at appropriate junctures in learning.