Digital changes at Borders College are to be recognised at national awards

BORDERS College has been nominated for a prestigious national award.

Over the last year, Electrical Installation lecturer Dale Clancy has been working to make his course more digital for students.

And his efforts have been recognised, with the College being shortlisted for a Digital Learning Award from the College Development Network.

Instead of carrying around large binders full of notes, students are now able to access their course material and even get real-time feedback and marking online, thanks to Dale.

He said: “We have changed how things are done over the course of the last year in Electrical Installation.

“Normally, students would have large files full of notes. Their work would be marked and then stored away in a cupboard.

“But with the new system in place, they are now able to access everything online and outside of the classroom.”

Dale, from Broadmeadows, Yarrow, used programmes such as Office 365 and One Note to develop the new ‘e-portfolio’ system.

And he has had a great response from students.

The 30-year-old added: “Everyone seems to have taken to it quite well.

“We are still trying different things out and the students can tell me what works and what can be done better.

“Among some of the things we have done is include a number of videos to try and make the content exciting and engaging.

“It also allows the pupils to watch them back after the sessions and to take responsibility for their own learning.”

Borders College will battle it out with Argyll College UHI and Edinburgh College for the Digital Learning Award in November.

The accolade recognises creative ideas which have been implemented to “improve the quality and effectiveness of technology-enhanced learning”.

Dale added: “Everyone is trying to add a little bit more technology at the College.

“There were pockets of it happening before I started to develop the e-portfolio programme for my course and I tried to build on those ideas from other members of staff.

“Other members of staff at the College are trying out similar things – they are all keen to look at doing different things to improve their delivery for the students.

“It is nice to be recognised and nominated for the award and we are looking forward to going up to Glasgow in November.”

The College Development Network Awards ceremony will take place at the Radisson Blu hotel in Glasgow on November 21.