Developing Pedagogies for the Virtual Campus
Researchers
Alex Kendall, Associate Dean of Research and Business Development (ELSS), University of Wolverhampton, The Manchester College, Skills Funding Agency (SFA).
Background
This was a collaborative project between Birmingham City University, The Manchester College and the University of Wolverhampton, with support from the Skills Funding Agency (SFA) to develop materials and working practices for a prison-based Virtual Campus.
Aim of research
The project aimed to develop pedagogic expertise amongst OLASS (Offender Learning and Skills Service) tutors across five regions (North West, North East, Yorks and Humber, West Midlands and South East). The project facilitated the production of pedagogically led materials for the teaching of the vocational curriculum through the Virtual Campus.
Method of research
The project invited teachers and tutors from each of the prisons in the five regions to work collaboratively on six key objectives:
- to produce a new suite of tutor produced, sector-specific and context-tested resources for the Virtual Campus
- to train up to 50 Virtual Campus Pedagogy Champions to help build capacity in working effectively with the Virtual Campus
- to establish regional Pedagogy Champion network groups
- to develop an e-resource to support and sustain connectivity beyond the lifetime of the project
- to develop a bespoke content authoring tool
- to produce a teacher-led framework for working effectively with the Virtual Campus
Findings/outcomes
Through the various collaborative workshops and sessions held across the regions, the following outcomes were achieved:
- tutor designed, sector specific and context tested resources produced for a range of curriculum areas
- development of infrastructure for collaboration across regions
- champion identified at each institution and trained in the processes of development
- champion network group established in each region to support ongoing capacity building
- a process for the design and development of high quality resources
Application of research
Lynn Oates, Programme Manager of the Virtual Campus (Skills Funding Agency) said:
“There is a greater focus on local influence to meet more effectively the needs of the labour market and learners in custody.
The outcomes of this project will help achieve these objectives by developing pedagogical expertise among OLASS tutors across the prison clusters, facilitating production of pedagogically led materials for teaching through the Virtual Campus and expanding this model across priority sector areas, and offering stimulating and engaging learning material.”