DCG Recognised As Leading The Way In Remote Teaching and Learning
Derby College Group (DCG) has been chosen by the government as one of a further 18 schools and colleges to become ‘edtech demonstrators’.
DCG is the only college in the East Midlands to be part of the second stage of the programme. Others are Exeter College, Grimsby Institute, Harlow College, The Manchester College, Oldham Sixth Form College, West Suffolk College Group and Wilberforce College.
Each college has been awarded up to £150,000 to develop support for and share expertise with other schools and college to also use technology to support remote learning.
DCG will support up to 25 schools and colleges with a wide range of technology for remote teaching and learning, as the impact of Covid-19 continues to affect education into next year, including best use of Microsoft Teams for teaching and Office 365, as well as guiding on digital well-being, inclusive technologies and e-safety.
Melanie Lanser, Director of Teaching, Learning and Academic Research, said: “This is real recognition of the success of remote teaching and learning across DCG which has been embraced by staff and students alike.
“DCG has been at the forefront of embracing new technology to enhance teaching and learning such as partnerships with Microsoft and Fujitsu and being part of national SEND and Teach Too programmes.
“However, taking all teaching and learning online from the beginning of lockdown has been a steep learning curve and our focus has been to find new ways of teaching of learning rather than purely trying to re-create the ‘magic’ of the classroom.
“Before March, a handful of students were involved in virtual classes and within a short space of time, more than 1,200 students a day were working in this way using a wide range of platforms, resources and activities.
“Our ILT and Advanced Practitioner team has done an incredible job helping staff and students to upskill and embrace technology. This has led to some creative and highly effective engagement including live sessions, sharing of pre-prepared content such as narrated powerpoints and production of videos showing practical demonstrations.
“Remote teaching and learning has not been without its challenges during lockdown – not least in ensuring that students have access to devices and internet connections. Devices have been delivered to more than 600 students and we have provided as many dongles as we can.
“We now look forward to sharing our experience and with other schools and colleges to help them emulate our achievements and we continue to develop remote teaching and learning across DCG to further break down barriers and make class learning, albeit it online, as enjoyable and effective as we can.”