SERC and Forth Valley College develop ideas at Project Based Learning Conference

Last week, South Eastern Regional College (SERC) and Forth Valley College (FVC) teamed up to host a joint Project Based Learning Conference which was presented simultaneously via live streaming in SERC’s Bangor, Downpatrick and Lisburn campuses and FVC’s Stirling Campus.

Earlier in the year SERC signed a Memorandum of Understanding with FVC which set out to allow staff and students to engage in reciprocal visits and to share best practice in the areas of hospitality, creative industries, Moodle, creative learning, teaching and mentoring.

Thanks to the partnership, over the last year both staff and students from the two Colleges have been working together on 7 collaborative projects in areas including: art and design, beauty therapy, electrical engineering, manufacturing engineering, sports, science, and early years.

All Full-Time students at SERC participate in Project Based Learning (PBL) activities during their studies as it enables them to develop skills such as commercial acumen, communication, problem solving and teamwork and aims to inspire knowledge, raise aspirations, confidence and employability.

This year’s conference focussed on five key areas in learning and teaching which included: technology enhanced learning, cyber-security and internet safety, student stress and resilience and peer learning with student collaboration.

The day began with a welcome address from SERC Principal and Chief Executive Ken Webb and FVC Principal Dr Ken Thomson, before staff where split into teams to complete a series of challenges related to the key themes.

SERC hosted visitors from FVC at their SPACE Campus in Bangor which included Vice Principal of Information Systems and Communications David Allison, Curriculum Manager for Applied Science, Maths and Mechanical Engineering Fiona Jackson, Lecturer in Hospitality and Salon Services Tracey Coupland and Curriculum Manager for Applied Science, Maths and Mechanical Engineering, Dougie Ross.

FVC Stirling Campus hosted SERC delegates which included Head of SERC’s Learning Academy Paula Philpott, Deputy Head of School for Computing and Engineering Anthony Johnston, Deputy Head of School for Performing and Creative Arts Neal Johnson, Head of School for Health, Early Years and Adult Education Michelle Devlin and Lecturer Ronan McAnespy.

SERC Principal and chief executive Ken Webb said that “The use of technologies to deliver and promote learning in the Further Education sector is an area of immense and rapid growth and change. This conference recognises our continuing commitment to our students and sharing our knowledge and expertise in these areas. Both staff and students from both SERC and FVC will undoubtedly benefited from this unique conference.”