Innovation in education – there's much to love about Scotland's colleges
From the excitement of cutting-edge industrial simulations to helping single parents reskill for a new job, our colleges continue to innovate, providing workforce and industry support for Scotland’s future.
Over the years, Scotland’s colleges have helped many to transform their lives for the better. Emerging from the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, let’s not forget that our colleges have been transforming themselves too, particularly with regards to digital.
Standing outside a college building, it would be easy to miss some of the exciting technological changes taking place inside. As the sector’s digital partner, Jisc is on hand to make sure each college stays connected, as well as providing support to help colleges remain resilient against cyber threats.
Developing digital infrastructure and skills
How can our colleges be sure they’re making the best of digital? The Scottish Funding Council recently recommended Jisc’s digital elevation tool (DET) be used in all Scotland’s colleges to aid digital transformation.
The tool will help college leaders develop a clear roadmap to making the most of the digital opportunities available to them in areas such as learner experience and curriculum development.
Jisc is also supporting colleges, using the discovery tool, to build on the digital capabilities of staff and students allowing them to take advantage of emerging technologies. It’s an exciting time, and Scotland’s World Skills success shows how those changes are having a deep impact when it comes to workforce development.
The future is already here
The use of digital technology in colleges can make a huge difference to the experiences of learners, teachers and the wider community. Jisc sponsors the digital learning category of the College Development Network (CDN) Awards, and there’s no better place to showcase examples of technology being put to good use across the sector.
Edinburgh College, in partnership with Cadpeople, developed a virtual reality app to help learners studying health and social care better understand the experiences of patients with dementia.
The use of digital technology in colleges can make a huge difference to the experiences of learners, teachers and the wider community
When lockdown during the COVID-19 pandemic restricted on-campus activity for jewellery students at Glasgow Kelvin College, the team used new software, computer-aided design and 3D printing, as well as zoomable headset cameras, to allow hands-on learning to continue outside of the classroom.
Sometimes geography is the challenge to accessing education, and so UHI West Highland, UHI Inverness and UHI North Highland used their Virtual School project to provide a varied, accessible and inclusive curriculum across the highlands and islands of Scotland.
We know there are strong examples across all colleges, and many cases where award-winning innovation yesterday is becoming the new norm for tomorrow.
Innovation nation
When it comes to taking innovation forward, Scotland is well placed. From the coherence that comes from having a single funding body for further and higher education that can support connected tertiary sectors, to the closeness of community and cooperation across the sector and beyond, it really is no wonder why so many people #LoveScotlandsColleges.
Scotland’s colleges are, with Jisc’s underlying support, providing access to learning in modern and flexible ways; I'm sure the best is yet to come.
About the author
I have responsibility to ensure outstanding service for Jisc members and communities in both Northern Ireland and Scotland. For this dual role I split my time between both our Stirling and Belfast offices.