Digital must underpin all aspects of college life | Opinion - FE Week

Digital learning has shown its potential, and while issues of equity remain now is the time for colleges to make the transition permanent, writes Sally Dicketts, president, Association of Colleges.

Digital must underpin all aspects of college life
Photo: FE Week

Colleges play a significant role in building communities and supporting their local economy, and the COVID-19 pandemic has brought this sharply into focus. Innovative practices were rapidly put in place to teach remotely during lockdown, and we saw colleges championing digital as a way of supporting learners.

As learners now return to college, the further education (FE) sector is helping the UK bounce back – upskilling, reskilling and providing pathways for those who have recently left school. Whether students are learning on campus, remotely, or with a blended approach, they are using digital systems and learning platforms, connecting and collaborating with their peers and tutors, accessing support for their wellbeing, and benefitting from a nurturing college community. Technology underpins every aspect of that experience.

Jisc’s learner digital experience insights survey 2020 gives crucial insights into where we are now and what students may need in future, highlighting how 19,137 learners in colleges and sixth forms experience and use technology to support their learning...

We all now need to build on the learnings of lockdown to help students utilise their life skills, adaptability, creativity, teamwork and empathy. Now is the time for colleges to ensure digital underpins every aspect of their learners’ educational journey.

Read more... 

Source: FE Week