Further education faces problems in remote learning in the UK, Jisc reports

Jisc published a report arguing that shaping the digital future of further education (FE) and skills in the UK requires investment, insight, and collaboration. In co-operation with the Association of Colleges (AoC), the report was developed through a participatory approach that hinged on data collected through a series of roundtables and research webinars where hundreds of practitioners from across the FE sector participated. The report examines the best ways for campuses to reopen and offers recommendations to the government, sector bodies, and colleges in order to realise the potential of technology to benefit the FE and skills sector. In this vein, it accentuates the need to address significant problems in the move to more remote learning; particularly calling for the UK government to provide access to funding for digital devices and connectivity in order to support disadvantaged learners in overcoming digital exclusion. ‘There are other challenges, too. For example, there is a lack of affordable and accessible digital resources and assessment tools, which means that courses such as engineering, construction, or hospitality and catering are impossible to deliver entirely online’ noted Jisc’s managing director of further education and skills Robin Ghurbhurun.