Video Teaching Case Study Coleg Meirion-Dwyfor Dr Ian J Rees / Mrs Glenda Davies - February 2011

Context and Background Coleg Meirion-Dwyfor established in 1993 following tertiary re-organisation in Meirionnydd and Dwyfor (within Gwynedd) While a general FE college, a greater emphasis on full time provision Expertise in Welsh medium and bilingual provision – academic A levels and vocation provision As a multi site organisation, early users of video conferencing technolog ies

Location of Coleg Meirion-Dwyfor sites within North Wales Glynllifon Pwllheli Dolgellau

Early (and Ongoing) Challenges  How to ensure a wide choice of provision with a relatively small number of learners?  How to ensure Welsh medium and bilingual learning experiences and progression for learners?  How to maximise staff utilisation when a number worked on more than one site (roughly 1 hour travel time apart)?

Early Opportunities Use of video technologies to promote viability of courses on more than one site – cross-site teaching Use of video technologies to aid cross-site staff meetings Development of a learning package for learners from other (distant) organisations, building on our growing expertise in video teaching, Welsh medium/bilingual provision and reputation for high quality

Video Teaching for Other Providers – Benefits for Providers Working with an acknowledged provider of high quality Welsh medium provision Extending/maintaining local provision for learne rs Ability to respond to the requirements of the Learning and Skills Measure Ability to target funding on “specialised” teaching

Learner and Learner-Related Benefits Extended curriculum choice (particularly Welsh medium) – the ability to access a course that would otherwise be unavailable to them High quality learning experience - no need to travel to another learning provider Good links with providers’ tutor Maturing as learners

The Learning Experience Termly visits by College Tutor to school Support at school Regular video teaching sessions Web based and paper based learning resources

Practical issues with video learning delivery Training Staff WVN Training Sessions Handbook Technical help available (there should be a telephone in the video room ) Note: Technicians not in the Video Rooms at either CMD or School/College receiving the class, but available by telephone or in the building.

Practical issues with video learning delivery Problems that may occur No Link No Sound, on both or at one location No Picture, on both or at one location Faulty equipment BUT Booking Numbers to hand Telephone Numbers ie WVN and JVCS

Practical issues with video learning delivery Training staff to use equipment Adjust the Picture Speak Confidentially ie use Mute button Preset Cameras Computer Presentations or documents on your Hard Drive or Memory Stick Use the Document Camera Show DVD’s/Videos Show information from the Web

The Learning Experience New method of learning, notes provided in advance of classes and copies of presentations on College Moodle site. Independent Study - valuable experience in readiness for College/University and World of Work Guest speakers give lecturers using this method of delivery. This saves time and money to all involved and is a valuable experience in itself. Students are given the opportunity to discuss issues with different groups. Parents evenings conducted by means of Video Conferencing, this gives them confidence in the system

Quality of Experience Results received by students compares favourable with other subjects studied by those students Questionnaires sent out in first term and at the end of the academic year. Both students and their supervisor/tutor in charge receive questionnaires. Comment by staff – Students have no problems hearing or understanding the lessons. Sessions are informative and interesting. Comment by a student – This method of learning makes you concentrate during the class. It is useful to be able to ask questions when you like, as it is possible to your tutor when working from home.

“This is a very exciting development. … The reconfiguration has resulted in a much greater use of new technology including video conferencing equipment which has been installed in large teaching rooms in both universities. This allows better sharing of resources and expertise. First Minister Carwyn Jones launches the North and Mid Wales Centre of Teacher Education 15 January 2011

The Betsi Cadwaladr Health Board is leading the way in introducing “tele-medicine”, where video and internet technology could allow patients to see consultants or specialists in GP surgeries, nursing homes, school buildings or even the comfort of their own home – anywhere there’s a secure broadband connection. The pilot … can save millions in reduced travel costs for medical staff and patients and by preventing unnecessary hospital re-admissions. 6 January 2011

At the end of the day, the essential elements in order to successfully use this facility and thus save travel time and costs, are: Training in the use of the equipment Issuing those using the equipment with basic information, such as booking numbers and telephone numbers. (WVN and JVCS) This will give staff confidence in using the system and thus benefit both those giving and receiving information.

The Vision for the Future A National Video Teaching Network located at the College A network of associate providers established The creation of a “family” of providers involved in video teaching Provision available in the medium of Welsh and English DCELLS recognition and associated funding arrangements Video teaching skills part of all PGCE courses in Wales A high quality, cost effective and environmentally friendly educational provision

Dr Ian J Rees – Mrs Glenda Davies –