{"id":4644,"date":"2015-03-20T09:45:40","date_gmt":"2015-03-20T09:45:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/newsletter.alt.ac.uk\/?p=4644"},"modified":"2015-03-20T09:45:40","modified_gmt":"2015-03-20T09:45:40","slug":"the-strategic-use-of-ilt-in-land-based-education-event-review","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/altc.alt.ac.uk\/blog\/2015\/03\/the-strategic-use-of-ilt-in-land-based-education-event-review\/","title":{"rendered":"The Strategic Use of ILT in Land Based Education (event review)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Members of Landex \u2018Land based Colleges Aspiring to Excellence\u2019 recently attended a Blended Learning CPD Event addressing \u2018The Strategic Use of Information and Learning Technology (ILT) in Land Based Education\u2019.<\/p>\n

The event, held at Hartpury College, Gloucestershire on 28th<\/sup> January 2015, brought together individuals from 15 institutions with responsibility for college ILT and e-learning strategies, alongside teachers seeking to enhance the use of technology in their delivery.<\/p>\n

Russell Marchant, Principal of Hartpury College and board member of Land based Learning Ltd shared his considerable experience of blended learning within land based education with the group. Following the event Russell said:<\/p>\n

\u201cIt is important for all institutions to take on board the essence of the FELTAG board\u2019s recommendations. To be prepared to take bold steps in ensuring their resources provide learners with access to the best technology available to enhance their learning experience and to enable time both in the classroom and online to be as engaging and effective as possible\u201d.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Attendees at the event were provided with access to the interactive online learning materials that are currently under development by Land based Learning Ltd. The materials are designed to provide easy access to high quality interactive online learning materials and formative assessment, aiming to: reduce preparation time; encourage students to carry out pre and post classroom study; and reduce marking time.<\/p>\n

The group recognised the potential benefits of blended learning. Online materials can provide access to content through a range of devices, increasing the opportunity to study interesting, user friendly content and formative assessments, and are available to fit in with a 24\/7 lifestyle.<\/p>\n

Presentations on current approaches to online and blended learning and the challenges of upskilling staff and resources were also provided by Belinda Tynan, Pro Vice-Chancellor Learning and Teaching at the Open University; and Bob Harrison, Education Adviser to Toshiba Information Systems UK and FELTAG Board member respectively.<\/p>\n

Belinda Tynan provided delegates with a valuable input into the Open University’s experiences of the opportunities and challenges presented by blended learning. A strong message was the value placed on skills that can be developed through\u00a0blended and online learning, in particular the development of 21st Century employability skills such: as adaptability; digital information literacy; collaborative skills; time management; and team working.<\/p>\n

Delegates were also provided links to a range of online learning materials to demonstrate what is out there already:<\/p>\n