#184 – Lessons from a Lifelong Learner

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Welcome to the next episode of our The Voctech Podcast: learning continued series, supported by the Ufi Voctech Trust and Ufi Ventures. You can follow the conversation using #voctechpodcast and #voctech. 

The Ufi Voctech Seed Fund IS OPEN!! There is between £15k up to £50k available for innovative projects that use digital tech to help people improve the skills they need for work across the UK. The project duration can be anywhere from 3 to 12 months and there are supporting workshops and webinars to guide your applications happening now. And finally, Applications for the seed grants are OPEN now and close 13 February, 5pm, so get prepping! For all the details go to ufi.co.uk/ufi-seed-guidelines

What’s in this episode?

This episode is all about lessons from a lifelong learner. You’ll hear from the exuberant Cath Brown, the Open University Students Association President and a prolific learner both online and offline. Listen in to be inspired about using technology in learning, the importance of good mentors, and flexible learning from 3am to much later in our adult lives. We are also talking about better connecting students and employers. 

Our reporter, Ian Hurd, features in this episode. Ian is in conversation with Emma Ball, Head of Learning Technologies and Tom Davies, Learning Technologist at Solihull College and University Centre. Emma’s team was recently involved in the production of an exclusive ITN video showcasing the College’s use of virtual reality. The footage premiered at the ‘Learning for Life’ event hosted by ITN Productions and the Association of Colleges last November. You’ll hear all about their work in virtual reality and skills development.

HAPPY LISTENING!

People

Sophie Bailey is the Founder and Presenter of The Edtech Podcast

Sophie is the founder of the iTunes new and noteworthy, The Edtech Podcast. The mission of The Edtech Podcast is to improve the dialogue between ‘ed’ and ‘tech’ for better innovation, through storytelling. The podcast is downloaded 2000+ times a week, from over 145 countries with the UK, US & Aus in the top 3. Sophie is a mentor and advisor within the edtech community. If she’s not interviewing a University Lecturer, School Leader, Ex-Angry Bird, NGO, or Investor about education innovation, she’s chasing her son around the park or binge-reading Homo Deus.   Twitter: @podcastedtech

Cath Brown, President, Open University Students Association & Lifelong Learner

Cath is currently President of the OU Students Association. She’s been an OU student since 2008, and is studying purely for interest. She has studied in all four faculties over the years and is currently studying towards the new Data Science degree. She has been involved with the Students Association in a number of different ways, including founding one of the student societies. Cath’s priorities as President include seeing the student voice fully embedded in the OU’s culture, pushing the University to do more to help support students to achieve their goals and extending the Student Association’s reach and improving communications so they are more aware of what their members need so they can promote their interests more effectively. Twitter: @NotoriousCath

Ian Hurd, Reporter and Presenter at The Edtech Podcast

Ian is a reporter and presenter for The Edtech Podcast. His focus is on the intersection between digital pedagogy and lifelong learning, specialising in the concept of creative thinking. Ian has a blog coming soon with a focus on developing soft skills through professional development project-based learning. Twitter: @Ian_R_Hurd

Emma Ball, Head of Learning Technologies and Tom Davies, Learning Technologist, Solihull College and University Centre

Emma has worked in the education sector for over 15 years’ working as a lecturer and manager. Her roles have included teaching and the management of both curriculum delivery and cross-college departments. She has been a keen user of technology from the start of her teaching career and has overseen the design, implementation and ongoing development of a range of systems designed to enhance teaching, learning and assessment. In her role as Head of Learning Technologies at Solihull College and University Centre, Emma is committed to promoting effective use of technology and the development of digital skills for both staff and students. Twitter: @SolihullCollege

 Quotes from this episode

References from this week’s episode

• Cath Brown – twitter
• Open University Students Association – twitter
• Cambridge University – twitter
• University of East London – twitter
• Ian Hurd – twitter
• Solihull College & University Centre – website
• Solihull College & University Centre – twitter
• Emma Ball, Head of Learning Technologies – LinkedIn
• Virtual Reality – definition
• Augmented Reality – definition
• Simon Hunt, Course Leader for BSc VR & Games Design – LinkedIn
• Balsall Common School – came in for a taster day, they experimented with AR technology
• Google Tilt Brush
• Cory McAdam – Virtual Reality Technician
• Computing and Emerging Technologies courses – at the university
• Solihull College and University Centre Strategic Plan 2019 – 2021
• Autism App – from Autism Society
• Autism VR Experience App – App Store
• 360 camera – Omnidirectional camera definition
• Google Cardboard – example of VR head
• Virtual Reality Headset – definition

Thank you to the Ufi Voctech Trust & Ufi Ventures

The Voctech Podcast Series is produced by The Edtech Podcast and supported by Ufi Voctech Trust and Ufi Ventures.

Our aim is to help improve vocational skills in the UK’s workforce by funding digital solutions for vocational learning. We only fund activity that is ‘scalable’ through technology, ie projects that use digital methods to widen access to vocational learning. While digital learning solutions are potentially open to all, we are especially keen to assist digital projects which involve post-school age vocational learners that have failed to be engaged by the education system. Contact: kate.atha@ufi.co.uk, Head of Communications, Ufi Voctech Trust. Ufi Ventures offers early-stage ventures finance and support that draws on the depth of Ufi’s experience in developing digital technologies for skills needed for work. We can invest from £150,000 up to £1m as equity or debt into early-stage companies who share our mission and meet our investment criteria. We are keen to collaborate and co-invest with other value-aligned investors interested in the opportunity presented by the changing nature of work and skills. Contact: richard.male@ufi.co.uk

Tell us where you are listening in from

We’d love to hear about innovative technology or approaches you are developing or using in adult education. Leave your stories in the comments below. Alternately, record a quick free voicemail via speakpipe for inclusion in the next episode. Finally, you can post your thoughts or follow-on links via twitter @podcastedtech or via The Edtech Podcast Facebook page.