Charnwood announced Winner of National Work Based Learning 2010

On the 8th March, BECTA The Next Generation Learning Awards ceremony took place at The International Convention Centre (ICC), Birmingham, announcing

Charnwood Training Group as Winner of the National Work Based Learning Award.

BECTA Says "WBL providers have historically struggled to embed technology within teaching and learning but Charnwood has achieved an exceptional degree of integration with a wide range of sophisticated ICT equipment both on- and off-site.

A wealth of e-learning resources, including training sessions, live streaming and demonstrations by visiting chefs, is stored in the media library. This is added to consistently by staff who record and upload external resources from several outlets. Trainers can access this library while working off-site with learners. Off-site students also benefit enormously from the provision of portable interactive computers that allow personalised, 'any time, any place' learning".

On-site, trainers use webcams to observe students live across all the training environments. This gives learners the opportunity to practise in 'real-life' situations, free of the physical presence of the trainer but still allowing two-way communication between trainer and learner. Such sessions are recorded for feedback purposes.

The judges commented very favourably on Charnwood's strong partnership work. Building a positive relationship with Pheonix Av Solutions Ltd, a specialist audio visual company. Pheonix Av Solutions provided Charnwood with a comprehensive consultation session, and later installed two interactive whiteboards complete with surround sound/speaker system. The interactive whiteboards are supported by a unique mediasite designed for teaching & learning purposes along with two plasma screens ideal for sharing best practice. It has forged links with Wolverhampton University to develop innovative training resources, and will continue to do so in the future to develop further exemplar materials. Charnwood holds an excellent working relationship with Ashfield School, which shares its site and whose 14-16 year old pupils are able to benefit from state-of-the-art ICT. Partnerships with business are no less impressive, with Charnwood providing bespoke training for corporate clients, including professional development materials for the regional skills centre.

The judges particularly commended Charnwood's clear vision and highly developed plans for taking its investment in ICT forward. Plans to develop the e-portfolio and virtual learning environment will ensure that Charnwood maintains the momentum of its initial outlay and continues to provide an excellent facility for business and learners alike."

See our supporting video >>> Charnwood Video

Stephen Crowne, Chief Executive of BECTA Says "The Next Generation Learning Awards highlight the impressive use of technology in the FE and Skills sector. The accolades are an important opportunity to recognise and reward organisations that are using ICT in creative and innovative ways to benefit and inspire learners. This has never been more important. Our world is becoming increasingly technological, making it imperative that today's learners are equipped with the necessary skills to compete in tomorrow's digital environment. The award winners provide inspiration for other FE and Skills providers to use technology and help prepare everyone for the future."

There were eight awards in total. Seven of the awards were Sector awards, which providers in the different FE and Skills sub-sectors can enter and the eighth is for learners to nominate their providers.

An award is presented to a learning provider from each of the following seven sub-sectors:

· Adult and Community Learning

· General FE (including land-based colleges)

· Independent Specialist Colleges

· Offender Learning

· Sixth Form Colleges

· Voluntary Sector

· Work Based Learning

For a Provider to be shortlisted and hopefully successful in their application, they must meet the strict and specified criteria below;

Strategy and Leadership - creation and implementation of a strategy

Providers can show that they are experienced in defining and implementing technology strategies to improve the performance of their organisation

Leadership and Collaboration

Providers show that their strategy makes them leaders in the field of personalised learning.

Impact on learners

Providers work to be seen as a leading edge user of technology in teaching and learning. They seek to innovate and experiment with technologies to increase their effectiveness and to have a positive impact on the outcomes for learners.

Equal access

Technology enables the organisation to meet the learning needs and situation of each individual.

Informed approach to creating demand for learning

They are able to establish and sustain relationships with employers and other groups so that they can work together to further develop their own offers in a mutually beneficial way.

Proactive support for learners

The provider is able to develop their portfolio of services to meet changing needs and communicate these to learners, staff and any other interested parties, as soon as they become available.

Content and resources

Learners are able to experiment with different content styles and develop a personal portfolio of resources.

Flexible delivery

Technology enables learners to learn independently and in a style, mode, pace and place that suits their needs, within the context of their current programme.

Personalised assessment

The provider uses technology to offer an assessment experience that provides the learner with the best possible understanding of their progress so far.

Confident workforce

The importance of technology skills in supporting the organisation is reflected in staff objectives and professional development plans.

Innovative use of resources

The organisation is leading their peers in the use of technology. This innovative culture provides an experience for learners and employers not otherwise possible.

Self-improvement

Technology provides the organisation with fully integrated and automated management systems and learning environment, delivering key efficiencies across all business and learning areas.

For more information >>> The Next Generation Learning Awards

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