Three colleges and college groups have been shortlisted for a Jisc-sponsored award, which recognises how effective use of digital technology in further education has improved the student experience.

Cardiff and Vale College, Petroc College and the TEC Partnership are in line for the Association of Colleges (AoC) Beacon Award. 

To win, their use of technology must demonstrate enhancements to teaching, learning and assessment, or create business efficiencies which enable positive change.     

Now in its 26th year, the AoC Beacon Awards showcase best practice and innovation in colleges. The initiative is designed to promote the interdependence of colleges, businesses and professional and voluntary organisations, to highlight excellence and share best practice.    

Jisc’s head of FE and skills, Paul McKean, says:

“Colleges are at the forefront of government plans to boost digital skills and, in turn, the economy, so it’s essential that they get on board with digital technology.  

Jisc does all it can to support them through this necessary evolution, and promoting innovation that the sector can learn from is part and parcel of that.”   

David Hughes, AoC chief executive, says:

“Colleges excelling digitally is hugely important. With the fast-paced changes that are happening out in the world of work, colleges will need to use technology to contribute to the development of the curriculum – including equipping their students with digital skills. These colleges are not only using them for their own systems, but the learning experience as well.”  

The Beacon Awards finalists were announced at the AoC FE Summit on 17 November and winners will be revealed in spring 2021. 

Find out more about how Jisc can support the FE and skills sector and explore our research project, shaping the digital future of FE and skills.