Jisc a ‘valuable resource’ to meeting FELTAG recommendations

17 February 2015

A Department of Business, Innovation and Skills ( BIS ) update on the Further Education Learning Technology Action Group (FELTAG) report has recognised Jisc’s efforts in helping providers in the further education ( FE ) and skills sector to meet the recommendations.

The report claims Jisc is a ‘valuable resource’ for learning providers. Nick Boles MP, the minister of state for skills and equality, claimed that along with the Education and Training Foundation, the charity has ‘stepped up to the mark’ in their support for the sector.

Jisc is praised for extending access to internet and digital services and resources to support the learning experience. This includes increasing the internet resilience of almost 100 further education ( FE ) colleges by providing new connections to the Janet network, and doubling the take-up of eduroam, the secure single sign-on system, to 86 colleges. The organisation was also recognised for its work with the Education and Training Foundation and other national bodies to support the adoption of technology across FE .

An example of where Jisc is helping organisations is promoting the use of technology to improve OFSTED ratings. Where a need for improvement is identified Jisc will work with the provider to address any weaknesses where technology can help, as it did with South Worcestershire College to improve from a Grade 4 to Grade 2.

Nigel Ecclesfield, head of change implementation support programmes – further education and skills, Jisc, said:

“As education and research’s digital champion, Jisc rightly sees itself as responsible for helping customers in delivering the FELTAG recommendations. We are delighted to note the acknowledgement from UK government of the benefits of our work to customers and for supporting and enabling collaboration between organisations.”

As the FELTAG agenda affects a number of agencies and sector bodies, Jisc is now working in collaboration with peer organisations through its FELTAG coalition. The group works to directly engage with stakeholders in the FE sector, from learners and teachers to senior leaders, governors and employers to identify ways forward with digital technologies.

Nigel added:

“There has already been significant progress made across the sector – but we know there is more to be done. By collaborating with other sector bodies we will continue to work on new projects that help to extend the use of technology to improve learning and teaching and meet the needs of learners, employers and their communities.”

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