It’s not every day that over fifty visitors from across the South West and beyond visit your college to not only see how as a college you are using learning technologies but also to discuss and share experience in using Web 2.0 tools and social networking sites.
Gloucestershire College is one of Becta’s Exemplary Providers in their Technology Exemplar Network (TEN). One of the things that Exemplary Providers do as part of their contribution to the TEN is to run two open days. Our first Open Day took place on the 10th March and was according to feedback from delegates a great success.
With the wealth of learning technologies and web 2.0 tools and services available to Further Education, the open day, was an opportunity to see how Gloucestershire College have been using learning technologies to enhance and enrich learning. The open day also gave delegates an opportunity to discuss and debate with others how Web 2.0 and social networking can be used in Further Education.
Unlike many other events, the day followed an unconference format, or barcamp structure. We had a formal introduction followed by semi-structured unconference sessions in which delegates were invited to discuss, show and tell, collaborate, share and learn. These covered issues such as Facebook, Web 2.0, student monitoring, mobile learning, MoLeNET
Delegates were also able to tour the campus, due to the size of the campus, tours were given a particular focus depending on what delegates wanted to see. Tours were given of the workshops, hair and beauty as well as general classrooms and the Library.
Feedback from delegates was very positive:
“Thanks for putting so much energy into the TEN Open Day today. It was a very inspiring and thought-provoking event and you must take most of the credit for that!”
“I thought the day was very worthwhile and I am sure everyone went away with lots of practical ideas and lots to think about.”
“Good day lots to think about. Going to talk staff inductions tomorrow. Thanks James et al”
“Excellent day at Gloucestershire College for #bectaten. Got lots of new things to implement. Thanks James & GC staff”
“Dual boot macs in LRC so students have a choice of OS at Gloucestershire College. I like that”
“The power of a decent lunch should never be underestimated and this was a good lunch!”
“Most enjoyable day at GC”
So did you miss it, not to worry we’re running another Open Day on the 6th July 2010.