Hugh Baird College has once again been chosen by technology titan Microsoft as the only college in Merseyside, and one of only 17 colleges in the UK, to become a ‘Showcase College’.
Microsoft Showcase Colleges are a global network of colleges ‘engaged in innovative change to improve teaching and learning and support the economic vitality of the locality they serve’.
As a Microsoft Showcase College, Hugh Baird College will be enabled to focus on personalised learning for students through the use of one-to-one devices and software such as; Office 365 Education, Teams, OneNote, Azure, Sway and more. The College will also share ideas with other Showcase Colleges and host educational events designed to inspire young people about the potential technology has to transform their career potential.
The College offers blended learning – using online or digital support on courses, a team of Digital Champions to help staff develop their own digital skills, and Microsoft training. Increasing numbers of staff across the College are also gaining Microsoft Innovative Educator badges through an innovative course that helps teachers learn how to best apply technology in education.
Hugh Baird College Director of Facilities and Technical Services, John Billington, said:
“It’s a fantastic achievement for Hugh Baird College to receive this accolade for a second consecutive year. As a Microsoft Showcase College, our students, staff and community will benefit from billions of pounds of research and knowledge that we would have otherwise not have had access to.”
“We all know that technology is constantly changing, and we have to keep up with it if we are to provide the skills our learners deserve and the support our staff need.”
“I’d like to personally thank Microsoft for selecting our College, their support has been outstanding and has enabled us to further achieve our vision of being at the forefront of innovation with exceptional teaching and learning.”
Nicky Bowen, Hugh Baird College E-Learning and Training Officer, said:
“It is vital for our students to be equipped with the knowledge and practical experience of using the latest technology available on the market. Almost all careers now require you to be literate in using digital skills and we are here to give our students the best opportunity to progress in their lives once they complete their studies with us at Hugh Baird College.”
Anthony Salcito, Vice-President of Worldwide Education at Microsoft, said:
“Microsoft Showcase Colleges are shining examples of those applying purpose-driven innovation in a variety of ways to build connection, motivate students and to create community in and out of education.
“These Colleges are truly transforming learning and providing more personalised education to students, empowering them to achieve more.”