Cardiff and Vale College continues to lead the way and retains its Microsoft Showcase College status

18 Oct 2021

Cardiff and Vale College continues to lead the way with its innovative approach to Technology Enhanced Learning, retaining its title as the first and only Microsoft Showcase College in Wales.

Over the last 18months, CAVC has been recognised as a leader in the UK for using technology for teaching and supporting learners, winning Outstanding Use of Technology for Teaching and Learning and Support for Student awards at the prestigious TES FE Awards. Microsoft Showcase College status reinforces and reflects the College’s commitment to and expertise in digital and technology enhanced learning.

The College’s longstanding partnership with Microsoft is fundamental to CAVC being recognised as leading the way.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, with the requirement for working and learning at home, the College was able to use its expertise and the systems in place to remain ‘open’ and available so its students could continue to learn, develop and progress.

The College moved all learners to remote learning and as restrictions have eased, has moved all learners to a blend of primarily face-to-face teaching, whilst retaining an element of online learning for all. This provides learners across all courses with an additional digital skillset that is wanted by employers and supports a balance that students and staff value.

The Microsoft Showcase College status reflects the CAVC's strong digital strategy and the impact of this. This includes the focus on staff digital expertise and the staff across the College continuously enhancing their own digital skills, using the latest teaching and learning technologies to teach and support students.

It also reflects the experience of learners, with each CAVC student receiving their own personal Microsoft account and approved copy of Microsoft Office to support learning in College, on campus and online at home.

The main base for online teaching is Microsoft Teams, with the College is also able to access a wide range of additional applications such as Pickit, Soundtrap and Kahoot Premium alongside exclusive workshops, resources and events to enhance the learner experience. Using the latest tools, information and technologies not only makes learning engaging but helps prepare learners for the world of work, meaning they can add instant value to any employer.

Cardiff and Vale College Deputy Principal Sharon James said: “We are absolutely delighted that Microsoft has continued to recognise our commitment to technology enhanced learning. Our work with Microsoft supports our digital skills strategy and we are committed to continuously providing staff and students with the opportunities and technology to grow their own digital skills.

“This not only makes the experience of working and learning with us engaging, but ensures we use the most up to date technology to teach and support our learners. Microsoft365 and packages like Teams and Outlook are the most used platforms in businesses across the world and all of our learners leave the College, as confident users of Microsoft technology, no matter what course they have been on – and that will add instant value to any employer.”