Innovative schemes showcased on Excellence Gateway with launch of new videos

An exciting new selection of videos which share innovation and best practice are now available through the Excellence Gateway. The government-funded online portal for people working in the further education and skills sector, has made available three videos showcasing the success of individual colleges and providers.

Developed by the Learning and Skills Improvement Service (LSIS), the films are available via EGTV, the portal’s supporting video channel, and cover the diverse topics of e-portfolios in distance learning, accessibility in learning and the use of games consoles in the classroom. The new videos bring to life three very different areas of best practice, providing inspirational examples for learning and skills professionals at all levels.

National Star College (part of Becta’s Technology Exemplar Network and recent winner of a LSIS 2008 STAR Award) – this video looks at how a treat for Christmas has brought long-term benefits for the College’s disabled learners. The Nintendo Wii games console has given learners the opportunity to work hard on their co-ordination skills, sequencing skills, spatial awareness, balance, reaction speeds and more – whilst having fun at the same time.

Accessibility resources by JISC TechDIS – this video features interviews with the team of experts behind the creation of a new set of resources that have been launched on the Excellence Gateway by LSIS. Produced by JISC TechDis, the resources aim to help all learning providers create teaching materials that address the specific needs of learners with physical or learning difficulties. Also featuring the Minister for Further Education, Siôn Simon, the video focuses on how the new resources help enable accessibility and inclusion in schools/colleges.

ISIS Training – training centre ISIS and Eloise Williams, a learner undertaking an apprenticeship in Business Administration, feature in a film exploring how e-learning can help distance learners achieve their goals. Using ISIS’s new e-portfolio system, the film shows how Eloise has achieved excellent results, despite living and working a considerable distance from the training centre. ISIS is the only work-based learning provider part of Becta’s Technology Exemplar Network and are pleased to be able to share their best practice with other providers through this video.

Aimed at all levels of staff, EGTV is the supporting news channel of the Excellence Gateway. It is a free, easy-to-use media player where you can watch videos on best practice and news in the post-16 learning and skills sector in England.

The Excellence Gateway, developed by the Learning and Skills Improvement Service (LSIS), aims to help transform delivery across the learning and skills sector, enabling practitioners at all levels to access high quality resources and information, inspire innovation and share best practice. The Excellence Gateway incorporates some 50 education websites and a resource bank comprising more than 75,000 pages, and 12,000 separate pieces of content. Registration is free: visit http://excellence.qia.org.uk.