Edinburgh : Flexible Learning in the Community (FLiC) Project
St Thomas of Aquin High School
What is this?
This project explored the use of ICT-enabled flexible learning materials and video conferencing in a number of Edinburgh school and community centre clusters to enhance learning and teaching. In addition to promoting more flexible learning and teaching opportunities, the project also aimed to ease transitions between primary and secondary school, develop greater modern languages options and promote community learning.
FLaT involvement?
FLaT provided support in order to pilot ICT enabled flexible learning approaches which help ease transitions between sectors and promote better school-community links.
Links with National Priorities?
2. Framework for Learning
3. Inclusion & Equality
4. Values and Citizenship
5. Learning for Life
Project aims?
To extend student access to high quality flexible learning materials through ICT delivery.
To enable schools and community learning centres to access existing paper based learning packs through videoconferencing and e-mail links.
To incorporate ICT into existing paper based flexible learning packages.
To train school and community based staff in flexible learning delivery methods using ICT, particularly for Higher and Advanced Higher flexible delivery (e.g. SCHOLAR).
To develop additional flexible learning materials for pupils (including software, video conferencing and email support) in 3 main areas:
- Higher/Intermediate 2/Intermediate 1/Access in Languages;
- The development of languages in primary schools using a variety of learning materials and building relationships between the two sectors; and,
- Flexible first and second year English and Maths to allow pupils to work at their own pace and hopefully raise attainmentTo provide students with initial induction and ongoing support in participating institutions across the city, plus an ICT-based Student Guide to Flexible Learning.
To provide a structured training programme for staff in partner institutions.
Project outcomes?
Provided more variety in delivering the curriculum to take account of the varied options and levels available with Higher Still.
Provided a more flexible learning framework in schools to fully utilise and realise the potential of SCHOLAR and other online learning resources.
Improved relationships with disaffected learners.
Provided more and better modern languages provision, including in primary schools.
Improved transitions between different sectors.
Provided more and better community learning opportunities.
Improved quality and scale of education and industry links.
Timescale?
The project was started in January 2002 and was completed at the end of 2003.
Level of Support?
FLaT support was a grant of £238,707 plus evaluation costs.
Who are the evaluation team?
University of Strathclyde Quality in Education Centre
Team Leaders - Dr. Kay Livingston & Dr. Rae Condie.
Contact person:
Mike Hay, Neighbourhood Liaison Officer and Support Services Manager 0131 469 3129, Mike.Hay@educ.edin.gov.uk