A TECHNOLOGY boost for tutors and students has received a VIP launch.
MP Jenny Chapman was the guest of honour at the official opening of Darlington College’s new state-of-the-art teaching and learning centre.
The new centre, for college tutors to develop their teaching skills and experiment with techniques, boasts top of the range technology to deliver 21st century learning.
This includes an IRIS Connect web-based video system that allows staff to observe and analyse lessons to aid continuous personal development.
Principal Tim Grant said: “Our new centre shows Darlington College’s commitment to investing in the skills of our tutors to ensure that they can make the best
possible use of new technology ensuring the future success of our students.”
As well as providing access to the latest technology, the centre will also provide two staff coaches, Lesley Wilson and Wayne Hall, to help mentor and support new and existing college staff.
Director of quality and student services Carole Todd added: “This is a fantastic development for the college which allows us to enhance our already outstanding teaching and learning and share good practices while keeping up to date with the latest developments in IT.”
The teaching and learning area is part of a £3m investment in the college which also includes a new construction zone with refurbished and enlarged workshops for bricklaying, joinery, painting and decorating, plastering, building, engineering, plumbing and electrical students.
There will also be a new facility for catering students, close to their own learning environment, a new area for all students to change into personal protective clothing, new classrooms for academic teaching, a new science lab and outdoor recreation space, including a five-a-side all weather pitch, outdoor learning area, sensory garden and outdoor gym and a new Costa coffee shop in the college atrium.
“All of these investments will continue to maintain Darlington College’s facilities at the very highest level,” said Mr Grant.
“This gives our students from Newton Aycliffe, Shildon, Darlington and North Yorkshire the best opportunities to learn and train for work.”
Cutting the ribbon to the latest phase in the college’s development, Mrs Chapman added: “It’s wonderful to be asked to come and open such an incredible facility which will help continue the professional development of teaching staff.
“The college does a wonderful job of equipping the young people of Darlington for their future careers and investment in the tutors that help them to achieve this is incredibly important.”
