New technology helps college
DONCASTER College has taken delivery
of a new piece of technology which could revolutionise the way
lessons are taught.
Thanks to Doncaster-based Digital Knowledge
Exchange, the College is now in possession of a VBrick system,
enhancing visual communications and giving students a whole new
type of learning.
This, in theory, would mean students could watch live College
lectures from the other side of the world or watch missed lectures
again at the click of a mouse.
College web developer Tom Brook said: “The
possibilities are endless – there are so many things we can do with
this equipment. For example, students could download missed
lectures to their MP4 players and catch up on the move.”
The College has already tested the technology
at a successful gig at its new £65m campus last month. With the
help of VBrick, the gig was streamed live on the Internet with
hundreds of people watching at home.
The system also has a special function which
enables users to pause a live broadcast – just like Sky+ box.
Malcolm Kay, director of DKE, said: “It has
been long established that video invigorates the curriculum that
would otherwise by delivered via book and
blackboard.
“The system will enable collaborative
activities between the secondary schools, the College, the
University Centre, and the business and governmental bodies
involved in the renaissance of Doncaster.
“This project will connect students of all
abilities and from a variety of communities. This exposure will
broaden the academic as well as social awareness of the
students.
“At the same time learners are being stretched
and developed by a variety of digital experiences; educators can
utilise the same system for professional development and learning
resource opportunities.”