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FE20: Evaluation of new ICT resources in a Community Learning Centre
Author: Joanne Frost, IT Tutor, Crook Community Learning Centre
Date: 2005

Summary

The addition of a colour laser printer increased student occupancy and participation in IT related courses at the centre.

Action

The tutor introduced a colour laser printer to the teaching of IT related subjects in a community learning centre, in addition to the existing black and white laser printer. This allowed the students to see the colourful documents they had created in print, not just via their monitors. Previously these documents would lose their appeal when printed in black and white.

Outcomes

The tutor felt that the benefits gained far outweighed any negative impact of the extra costs involved in running the colour printer. She also pointed to increased student occupancy of courses at the learning centre as a direct result of the installation of the colour printer, along with increased interest from students studying other modules. The printer enabled students to make practical use of their learning: for example,one student used the colour printer to produce her own professional standard wedding invitations. Finally, the tutor felt that the use of the colour printer resulted in the students gaining much more enjoyment from their courses.

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