Foreword by David Purdie, New Product Development Manager, NextGen: HN:
We liaise regularly with various stakeholder groups, including employers, as part of the NextGen: HN project. In the last employer evaluation report, which was carried out in September 2023, employers responded to questions around digital learning. They felt that work was needed to address the basic digital skills of some learners and expressed some apprehensions around digital learning. Comments from employers suggested that they perceived digital learning as remote learning, however this is not the case. Since the Covid-19 pandemic there has been a greater focus on digital learning, but the terminology can sometimes be confusing due to the term being used with different meanings.
The reality of digital learning is exciting and reassuring for employers due to the potential of blended learning, which according a recent Scottish Funding Council report is the new normal.
However, the 2024 CDN Workforce Survey Analysis Report found that whilst the majority of staff felt they had the necessary digital skills to perform their duties, 81% of staff said they could benefit from further training to improve their digital capabilities.
We invited Joe Wilson, who was the Learning Technologies and Digital Skills Manager at City of Glasgow College until recently, to explain the college’s approach to blended learning. He explains the benefits to all staff and learners, including those delivering or undertaking NextGen: HN qualifications.
“At City of Glasgow College we’ve adopted an ABC Learning Design approach to digital learning. ABC Learning Design is a comprehensive framework that integrates active, blended, and connected learning approaches to create engaging and effective educational experiences. I’m clear that as an organisation we need clear and consistent messaging about what blended means, as I’m sure is also needed across the sector. There are important criteria that should be considered when implementing ABC Learning Design:
- Learners need a sense of belonging, no matter the approach used.
- Active and peer learning needs to be included in curriculum design.
- Ongoing promotion of digital literacies, with an emphasis on pedagogical understandings is vital for all staff and learners.
- Centres need to have a particular strategy for designing and delivering high quality blended learning
What does ABC Learning Design mean?
- Active learning empowers learners to take an active role in the learning process, fostering deeper engagement and understanding. Learners work together in small groups, sharing ideas and solving problems through interactive discussions and activities. Staff provide feedback within a specific timeframe, allowing students to quickly identify and address any knowledge gaps.
- Blended learning combines face-to-face instruction with online or digital components, allowing for a flexible and personalised learning experience. Learners can access course materials and resources at their convenience on our Canvas platform and app, promoting self-paced learning and increased engagement. The blend of in-person and online elements optimises classroom time, enabling practitioners to focus on hands-on activities and interactive discussions. Learners have the option to return to materials on Canvas whenever necessary.
- Connected learning leverages online tools and platforms to foster collaboration, communication, and knowledge sharing among learners. We use Microsoft Teams for online classes and learners frequently use the Canvas App. This approach connects learners and practitioners from diverse backgrounds, encouraging the exchange of ideas and perspectives. We use the discussion function in Canvas alongside a range of digital tools to build a community around our qualifications. Connected learning embraces emerging technologies and digital resources to create innovative and engaging learning experiences.
We’ve noticed enormous benefits of ABC Learning at City of Glasgow College, and they can be summarised as:
Improved learning outcomes have been shown to enhance learner engagement, knowledge retention, and overall academic performance. Increased flexibility as a result of the blended and connected components offer greater scheduling flexibility and personalisation for learners. By optimising the use of digital resources learners can enjoy a greater personalised learning experience, resulting in increased efficiency. Finally, the active, collaborative, and technology-enhanced nature of ABC Learning Design helps develop meta-skills such as critical thinking, communication, as well as problem-solving skills.
Canvas – virtual learning environment
Using Canvas has transformed how we embrace ABC Learning Design. We use Canvas to create course templates that can be populated by staff. We require staff to ensure the course is clearly set out and that assessment dates are published.
We understand that access and skills can be an issue. However, training and support is available for learners and staff. We prioritise ensuring all learners have access to the necessary technology and digital resources, with staff advising learners how to use Canvas and associated tools. Comprehensive staff training and support is available so they can effectively deliver active, blended, and connected learning experiences. Staff training includes helping them to understand learning design, editing Canvas courses, and using a range of approaches. Finally, the importance of an organisation-wide approach cannot be underestimated. The ABC Learning Design approach is aligned with the Colleges overall strategic goals and culture. It is part of the Colleges journey to digital transformation
Next steps for ABC Learning and Canvas at City of Glasgow College?
We have found that active, blended, and connected learning approaches foster higher levels of learner engagement and participation, improving their basic digital skills and literacies. This is a key priority for us at City of Glasgow College.
We look forward to continuing to develop the use of ABC Learning Design through Canvas across all our NextGen: HN and traditional HN qualifications, ensuring consistency across them all. We will continue to embrace the principles of ABC Learning Design to create dynamic, engaging, and effective learning experiences that prepare learners for success in the modern world.
You can access the learning and teaching library on our City of Glasgow, Learning and Teaching Library web page.”
