FE > Technology > Digital imaging and videos

FE4: To what extent do bite-sized ICT courses widen participation opportunities?
Author: Michelle Postma, Newgate Learning Centre, Bishop Auckland College, County Durham
Date: 2005

Action

A series of one hour taster classes on the use of digital photography or using a scanner were run at the college's Learning Centre in the town centre.

Outcomes

All 85 possible places were taken up, and 90% of participants on the bite-sized courses either progressed on to longer adult learning courses or have their names on a waiting list.

Several factors were considered critical to the success of the initiative:

o short, flexible, low-commitment sessions

o no pressure of formal assessment or syllabus

o students directed their own learning, boosting enjoyment, engagement and confidence

o excellent interpersonal skills of the tutor created an enjoyable learning experience

o The location of the centre in the town's shopping mall makes it visible and accessible to the local community

Customer suggestions for courses are now logged and inform the ongoing provision of support for adult learning.

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