Modern Approach to Training Technology at Grimsby Institute

The Grimsby Institute of Further and higher Education has recently celebrated the launch of its latest innovation in learning technologies training.

A host of guest including the Mayor of Grimsby, Councillor Melanie Dickerson, were present for the opening of the “Learning curve”, based at the Institute’s Nuns Corner site.

The Institute’s Teaching and Learning Manager, Tracey Mace, said: “My aim for the Learning Curve is to promote excellence and equality of teaching and learning, and to encourage creativity and innovation to achieve outstanding college status.”

Teaching Resources

The Learning Curve is a resource training centre packed with modern teaching aids including the latest PCs, Apple Macs and I-Pods and interactive whiteboards, amongst others. It will also include the Institute Virtual Learning Environment (VLE). VLE Development Coach, Simon Davies, will support tutors in the development of the VLE in communication via learning resources.

idea behind the centre was to create a friendly environment where staff could familiarise themselves with the latest gadgets and to be able to use them confidently, thus enhancing the teaching and learning experience. Tracey Mace commented: “What I am hoping the Learning Curve will offer is a place where tutors can drop in and learn how to use these technologies, have a play and ask questions. It will be a modern environment with a relaxed atmosphere, as far away from the stuffy image of training centres as possible.”

“Success for All”

In addition to the latest technology, the “Success for All” teaching and learning resources will be showcased and tutors will be encouraged to adapt the resources to disseminate and share good practice. A teaching and learning support team will be on hand to support, mentor and coach in the new initiative.

The team includes seven learning coaches who will collectively offer a wide range of strengths to support the teaching and learning process, the most important of these being a wish to share innovative practice with others.

The improvement of teaching and learning is likened to an annual staff development programme. Bespoke in-house training events will be regularly scheduled to focus on the current key aspects of teaching and learning. Tutors will have the opportunity to design individual passports of “Continuous Professional Development” which help them to achieve recognition for success at the end of the course.

Joel Goldman