Cardiff and Vale College first in Wales to be named a Microsoft Showcase College

Cardiff and Vale College (CAVC) has become the first Further Education institution in Wales to be named a Showcase College by Microsoft.

Microsoft Showcase Colleges utilise the latest technologies to enhance learning and drive digital change amongst staff and students alike. As a Showcase College, CAVC will deliver personalised learning for students through the use of individual devices for each student, Office 365 Education, Teams, OneNote, Skype, Minecraft and more. CAVC will also share ideas with other Showcase Colleges and host educational events designed to inspire young people about the potential technology has to transform their career potential.

The College offers blended learning – using online or digital support on courses, a team of Digital Champions to help staff develop their own digital skills, and Microsoft training. Increasing numbers of staff across the College are also gaining Microsoft Innovative Educator badges through an online course that helps teachers learn how to best apply technology in education.

Earlier this year, CAVC also opened its makerspace, {devel<>p}. The makerspace is designed to address the digital skills gap facing employers by boosting learners’ skills in Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts and Maths (STEAM).

Cardiff and Vale College E-learning Manager Hannah Mathias said: “It’s a great achievement for CAVC to receive this award as it demonstrates how far we have come over the last two years. Microsoft has been very supportive and has helped the College to achieve its digital transformation vision.”

CAVC Principal Kay Martin said: “Cardiff and Vale College’s mission is to be a leading educational business, delivering high quality education and training, outstanding results, skilled and employable people, excellent customer service, innovative business growth and continued investment that supports prosperous communities and a thriving economy.

“We believe that technology plays a central role in that mission and that is why we have invested heavily in developing staff and students’ digital skills. New technology is constantly changing and we have to keep up with it if we are to provide the skills our learners deserve and the support our staff need.”

Microsoft UK FE and HE Engagement Manager, Clare Riley, said: “Cardiff and Vale College is a shining light within the Microsoft Showcase College programme. Our collaboration began with a concept for professional development that included gamification and the use of mixed reality for supporting additional learning needs and wellbeing.

“We’re very much looking forward to this year’s project, focusing on the new makerspace and helping learners to gain the advanced digital capabilities they will need to succeed when they move from college to the world of work.”