Carlisle College pioneers in the use of new technology
Carlisle College has secured funding of £72k for a project to deliver Skills for Life training using new technology targeted at 16 to 18 year olds. Training will be delivered on site at the College and through various community outreach sessions in Carlisle and north Eden.
This £72k has been secured from the Learning Skills Improvement Service (LSIS), Flexibility and Innovation Fund. The project features portable technology including Nintendo DS, iPod Touch and Netbooks to provide a vehicle for teaching Skills for Life and reach a new audience of learners.
The project aims to improve key skills in Maths and English by providing an innovative and engaging approach to learning, and a whole new way of teaching.
Principal of Carlisle College Moira Tattersall said:
“Carlisle College has been selected as one of the first in the country to be part this scheme. The College has always strived to offer new and innovative ways of learning. With this new technology, the college will add to its state of the art facilities, and offer teaching both on site and via community outreach at centres throughout north Cumbria.”
Educational software has been developed for these platforms, and opens a range of new learning opportunities. The technology will also provide Foundation Degree Students with the chance to design and build custom applications for the various platforms as a real life project.
Throughout the summer, the College will be developing a range of online tutorials which can be accessed with the internet on computers and Smartphones. These tutorials will provide help on everything from long division to the rules of the apostrophe. Some lessons will also be recorded via web cams to give students the chance to catch up or repeat lessons.
Project Coordinator, Skills for Life Manager Sarah McGrath said:
“This is an exciting opportunity for Skills for Life to take advantage of new technologies and provide an innovative and engaging way to learn. It will also give us the chance to work outside of the College to deliver training in the community.”
The College prospectus is available as a download from www.carlisle.ac.uk or can be sent via post for free, call 01228 822700.
Notes to Editor:
Skills for Life qualifications are designed to help people develop the skills used in everyday life, such as reading, writing or maths. They can also help boost employability or access to further study.
Skills for Life qualifications are for those:
- aged 16 or older
- who have left compulsory full-time education
- who do not have an up-to-date English or maths qualification at level 2 on the National Qualifications Framework (such as a GCSE)
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