Effective use of digital technology to support engagement and progress in adult learning in the community
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About the partnership
The Conwy and Denbighshire adult learning in the community partnership is chaired by Grŵp Llandrillo Menai and consists of:
- Grŵp Llandrillo Menai
- Cyngor Bwrdeistref Sirol / Conwy County Borough Council
- Cyngor Sir Ddinbych / Denbighshire County Council
- Addysg Oedolion Cymru / Adult Learning Wales
During the 2023-2024 academic year, the partnership had 474 learners who engaged in classes funded using the Community Learning Grant issued to Conwy and Denbighshire local authorities by the Welsh Government. Many of these classes were delivered by Grŵp Llandrillo Menai, and the remaining by Adult Learning Wales. A further 1,100 adult learners engaged in classes funded using Grŵp Llandrillo Menai’s part-time further education (FE) funding received directly from the Welsh Government. An additional 878 learners across the two counties engaged in classes with Adult Learning Wales using the funding it received directly from the Welsh Government
Partnership website: https://communitycourses.wales
About the activity
The partnership has used funding provided by the Welsh Government in the aftermath of COVID-19 to modernise digital technology across many community venues. Collaborating closely with local authority leads and library services, Grŵp Llandrillo Menai procured a wide range of equipment on behalf of the local authorities. This has been installed in numerous venues across Conwy and Denbighshire, enhancing learning activities and ensuring learners could benefit from the latest digital tools.
Teaching spaces within the partnership, including those in community venues, are now well-resourced. Tutors integrate digital technology into their lessons, significantly enhancing learner engagement and participation.
Both providers support their tutors with extensive training during the pandemic to ensure the continuity of teaching through online delivery. This training equipped tutors with a strong understanding of the benefits and applications of digital technology in enhancing the learning experience. Building on this since the pandemic, tutors are now skilled in using interactive whiteboards, visualizer cameras, and mobile devices during sessions, enriching the learning experience while maintaining lesson momentum.
Tutors have developed the ability to adapt their teaching to hybrid delivery. For instance, when learners cannot attend in person, they can join sessions remotely via platforms like Google Meet, enabling tutors to simultaneously deliver lessons to in-person and online participants.
Examples of effective integration
Introduction to Teaching Assistants – One learner enrolled in the Introduction to Teaching Assistants course had pre-booked a holiday but was eager not to miss any sessions. The tutor facilitated remote participation by allowing the learner to join the class via Google Meet while on holiday. The learner could also access course materials through Google Classroom, ensuring continuity in their learning experience.
Art Classes – In art classes, tutors use visualizers and large interactive screens to demonstrate techniques step-by-step. This approach allows learners to observe the progression of techniques and understand their application. Previously, learners had to crowd around the tutor’s canvas, often struggling with obstructed views. The integration of technology has received positive feedback, as it provides learners with a clearer and more comprehensive understanding of the methods being demonstrated in real time, rather than just viewing the finished product.
Impact on learners and tutors
The strategic investment in digital technology and upskilling of tutors have significantly enhanced the educational experience for both learners and tutors:
For Learners
- Enhanced accessibility. Learners can now participate in sessions remotely when circumstances prevent in-person attendance, reducing barriers to learning.
- Improved engagement. The use of interactive and visual tools, such as whiteboards and visualizers, makes learning more dynamic and engaging, fostering greater interest and understanding.
- Personalised support: Learners benefit from flexible delivery methods, enabling them to learn at their own pace and access resources like recorded lessons and online materials.
- Better outcomes: The clarity and effectiveness of demonstrations using digital tools contribute to deeper comprehension and skill acquisition and improving overall success rates.
For Tutors
- Increased confidence and competence. Training in digital technology has enhanced tutors’ ability to design and deliver innovative, engaging lessons.
- Improved efficiency. Digital tools streamline lesson preparation and delivery, enabling tutors to focus more on teaching and supporting learners.
- Flexible delivery. Tutors can now deliver hybrid sessions seamlessly, adapting to diverse learner needs without compromising the quality of teaching.
- Professional growth. Exposure to new technologies and teaching methodologies has enriched tutors’ professional development, preparing them for future challenges in education.