Two days ago, WITS - the West College Scotland Information Technology Symposium - took place at the Erskine Bridge Hotel. The symposium – the first of its type – looked at how technology can enhance teaching and learning.
There has been an overwhelmingly positive response from the 250 attendees. As well as speakers and sponsors from across the industry, the event gave an opportunity for College staff to show how they are already using learning technologies in the classroom.
Everyone was immediately impressed by level of enthusiasm and the size of the turnout for the symposium, which was compered by Paisley media lecturer John Collins.
Keynote speakers included Rebecca Barrington, Head of e-Learning and Innovation at Cornwall College, who presented on “Putting the e into e-learning” and demonstrated a range of interactive tools to help engage and excite learners. Jamie Cooke, Head of RSA Scotland, talked about the short films and animations the RSA has developed to improve learning and understanding, and Jason Miles-Campbell, Head of JISC Scotland, gave a highly entertaining talk on “making a difference in the short-term for today’s students”. The final speaker was Joe Wilson,Chief Executive of the Colleges Development Network. Joe talked of his own use of learning technologies in his professional life.
In addition, from the staff side, Grant Taylor, Suzanne Thompson, Pat Shearer and Fiona Rushton all delivered short talks about the technologies and tools they were using to improve learning and teaching.
Staff were also able to attend breakout sessions on subjects ranging from Augmented Reality to Moodle, and from e-Assessment to games for learning.
Our Principal Audrey Cumberford said afterwards:
“I was delighted to see so many staff supporting this symposium.
“I have no doubt that if we try to meet the future by doing things the way we have always done, we will disengage our students. A key strategic priority for the College is to deliver a relevant curriculum that maximises the use of innovative and engaging learning technologies. We will take a whole-College approach to developing the student digital experience.
“My longer term vision is that WCS will develop a reputation for leading the sector in this area, including enhancing support services and the overall student experience through technology. We are not there yet but we saw many examples where staff are driving this agenda forward. The foundations are there and we now need to build on them.”
Director of Technology and Innovation, George Johnson, who organised the symposium, said:
“This was a wonderful success for the College and I want to thank the many people who made it such a good event. I know it enthused and inspired many staff and, as Jason Miles-Campbell said, everyone should now try one new approach as a result of attending the event. This is the beginning of WCS building its capacity."
Last word goes to our first guest speaker, Rebecca Barrington from Cornwall:
