Excellence Gateway
Published: 15 September 2009
This case study was produced by JISC RSC (Regional Support Centres) Yorkshire & Humber on behalf of the Excellence Gateway.
Sector relevance: Further education and Sixth Form colleges
Keywords: Improving teaching and learning, improving responsiveness to learners, improving institutional effectiveness, blended learning, using e-learning materials, inclusive learning, enrichment activities, independent learning, evaluation of own practice (staff), motivating learners, curriculum development, financial management, business planning, managing change, strategic planning, mentoring staff, staff development, managed learning environment, management of ICT infrastructure
Calderdale College is creating a radically different learning culture and environment, based on using the most appropriate space for each "learning event".
Calderdale College is a further education college with its main campus based in Halifax. There are approximately 1,200 students between the ages of 16 and 18 and also 200-250 young people aged 14–16 in the college community.
As a result of a new build project, Calderdale College is undergoing a rethink of its entire learning environment. This is the Inspire Project – a review of how teaching and learning takes place and the impact of technological developments on delivery.
Accompanying this, the Transform Project was set-up as a transitional tool – to explore new ideas in teaching and learning and address the culture change required to implement new methods. Transform provides a physical space to try out new concepts and get staff comfortable with new methods before fully implementing across College in a new build project.
The website for the project states the aims and objectives:
Richard Nelson, Transform Project Manager, researched learning space layout, technology, techniques and pedagogy in order to create a new culture of learning.
A space in the existing College building was converted into multiple learning spaces: a classroom for active learning, a social space for group work and research, a staff support area, and a specialist lab (such as an IT suite) for practical work. Online resources create an additional virtual learning space.
All aspects of the learning environment were explored, from the best colour for the walls to equipment that should be in each area. Richard created a minimum specification for a classroom. Equipment purchased for the Transform Project included the following:
Online facilities include the College website, e-resources in the learning resources centre, e-portfolios, learning platform, text messaging, and the wireless internet connection.
There is a comprehensive staff development plan in place to support staff in using the new equipment and applying new theory in learning. Students are also involved in the development process.
Dame Enid Bibby launched the Transform Project on 5 June 2009.
The learning environment is fit for purpose. All aspects of the learning space reflect new thought. New equipment in the classroom space allows enhanced teaching and learning and is joined-up. Students working with the video and audio editing suite can display work in the desired format on the LCD display screen. The simple Bluetooth transfer process allows the most current work to be displayed. Similarly, the voting panels work with the mini whiteboard and projector for easy interaction and feedback.
Richard's idea is to "use the space more effectively – if you need a computer, then use the IT suite, but if not, go elsewhere.” Likewise, students can use the social space for research and small group work, freeing the classroom space for active learning.
Staff can relax or work in the staff support area but the key is that it is situated next to the classroom where colleagues are close by to discuss issues or worries.
Where previously there were pockets of expertise, Transform implements a holistic approach. Teaching becomes a “learning event” – teaching and learning takes place in more suitable environments. Richard sums up that it is “all about options” and caters to the needs of students. It also makes the most of the College's resources.
The physical space and staff development has helped to embed e-learning. Richard was keen to adopt “one-click technology” and avoid complicated, overly technical equipment that deters staff from adopting e-learning ideas. He says:
“If it's not one click technology, it's not in the project."
Richard has created a new enthusiasm for new teaching and learning ideas:
"We've got the opportunity to explore what we can do. We can get the confidence to try things out."
There will be one year of staff development and learner consultation in 2009/10 to pilot the scheme, followed by a capital bid in the following year to roll out the scheme across the whole College.
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You can find this page and download any referenced resources from the Excellence Gateway at http://excellence.org.uk/247517.
