Blackpool Borough Council TrEACL report (Word)

Summary
TrEACL (Technology to Enhance Adult and Community Learning) was an LSC fund for innovative practice in the use of information and communications technology (ICT), to support learning in all subject/curriculum areas within organisations delivering Adult and Community Learning (ACL).

This report is from the first round of funding (2003/4).

The popular "must have" digital music player is being used in an innovative way in Blackpool, thanks to TrEACL round 1 funding . A group of fourteen visually challenge adults are using Apple iPods in a pilot project to develop a flexible way of providing audio information and access to text based materials.

Blackpool Borough Council in partnership with Blackpool, Fylde and Wyre Society for the Blind have used TrEACL funds to set up a digital recording studio where audio resources can be compiled and downloaded onto iPods. The technology allows for easy editing of sound files and a manageable way to store audio resources.

Members of the pilot group were given one-to-one support and training to familiarise them with the iPod. Initial instructional material was provided in large text format and on audio cassette, but as soon as the learners were confident about the basic operation of the iPod they were able to access a full voice instruction manual on the iPod itself.

The first phase of the project was concerned with practical issues of using the iPod and checking its suitability for a variety of visually challenged learners. An initial download of short stories, a specially commissioned play and music and comedy content proved popular and gave the users plenty of scope to get to grips with the iPod controls and menu system. The second phase has provided learning material in the form of language tutorials (French and Spanish - as requested by group members), and other materials focusing on travel, lifestyle and well being.

This project has generated a lot of enthusiasm and sparked off ideas for use by learners in all curriculum areas. The potential for independent learning has been identified and equipment is in place for learners to scan text into a computer, change the text to speech and download the speech files onto and iPod allowing access when and wherever the learner requires it.

Read the full report for further information.

Resource

• Blackpool Borough Council TrEACL report (Word)

is version of

• Blackpool Borough Council TrEACL report (PDF)

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