Cardiff and Vale College has been recognised as one of the best colleges in the UK for its innovative use of digital technology in further education.
The College has been named a finalist for the Association of Colleges (AoC) Beacon Awards Jisc Award for Effective Use of Digital Technology in Further Education. Widely known as the ‘College Oscars’, the prestigious Beacon Awards recognise Further Education institutions that go above and beyond in their service to learners and the wider community.
The shortlisting was for the College’s involvement in the Anti-Racism Curriculum project. This required the development of an anti-racist learning programme suitable for the Further Education sector, including the development of a blended tutorial mode and relevant subject modules. The scope expanded to include the development of an immersive digital environment as well to expand the breadth of curriculum modules covered through the creation of a metaverse – the first anti-racist virtual world.
The metaverse has been delivered by Further Education Institutions with support from reviewers with lived experience of racism and expertise in anti-racist practice. As well as the tutorial mode, the subject areas of history, maths, sociology, hair and beauty, philosophy, biology, health and care and psychology were identified as key areas for resources also developed in the mediums of English and Welsh.
Cardiff and Vale College Principal Sharon James-Evans said: “We are thrilled to have been shortlisted as a finalist for a highly prestigious Beacon Award.
“As the largest college in Wales and one that operates in one of the most diverse and vibrant communities in Wales, we strongly believe in the use of digital technology to ensure all the communities we serve feel respected and included.
“This announcement is testament to the hard work and dedication of CAVC colleagues across the College.”