Argyll College Shortlisted for National Awards

Argyll College UHI has been shortlisted for not one but two 2019 College Development Network Awards.

In the Innovation category they have been shortlisted alongside City of Glasgow College and Glasgow Clyde College, for an innovative learning technology, developed in a collaboration between hairdressing tutor Elaine Smith and former Oban High School pupil, and our new IT Modern Apprentice Finlay MacDonald. 

Findlay created a computer game to teach Skills for Work hairdressing. It reinforces how colour neutralisation works - a fundamental concept within hairdressing curriculum.  The concepts are very difficult for students to understand and retain and the computer game helps reinforce the theory taught in the classroom in a fun way using games technology that all young people are so familiar with.  Affectionately named ‘Game of Tones’ it uses the international colour spectrum where opposite colours on the colour wheel neutralise each other. The game simulates colour coming down a screen, with a tint brush at the bottom of the screen ‘firing’ colour to neutralise the tone of the colour dropping, with the user having to select the right colour code to neutralise the dropping colour. Game of Tones is an innovative way of using technology to reinforce theory-based learning, in a fun and interactive way.  It is an excellent example of strong collaboration between a college and a school.

In the Digital Learning Category they’re on the shortlist with Borders College and Edinburgh College for a pilot project lead by Tutor Susannah Wilson which utilises screen capture videos to provide personalised, formative feedback to students. It’s a creative, digital solution to the challenge of isolation experienced by students in a blended learning context. This has proven to be a really effective way of improving students’ experience, enhancing engagement, and increasing student satisfaction.

College Principal Martin Jones said, ‘’We are really delighted to see our efforts in Innovation and Digital Learning being recognised in this way. As a truly digital institution with Learning Centres located throughout Argyll, it’s important that we continually strive to embrace innovative technology and ensure our students’ experience is second to none. I congratulate all of our staff who’ve been involved in these projects, and welcome our new IT Modern Apprentice, Finlay MacDonald, to our team. ’’

Nominations will be considered by a panel of 8 expert judges drawn from Business and Education,  and the winners will be announced at the national awards dinner on Thursday 21 November 2019 at Radisson Blu in Glasgow.