ICT in teaching and learning is closely tied to the buildings in which it takes place. Wireless networks, home broadband, extranets and mobile devices mean that the use of ICT is not confined to specialist (and limited) resources within College buildings as was the case as little as 25 years ago. Learners can log-on anywhere they have access to the internet and experience a range of materials and resources that dwarf anything available in the pre-digital age. At South Essex College half of our learners have logged on to C Space either at home or at work and it is an expectation of learners that resources will be available online 24/7.

However this does not mean that the College as a physical building is any less important than in previous decades, in fact its role is as important as ever. College buildings are a place for face-to-face teaching and learning, for social interaction, for community engagement, for learner support and advice, for the development of vocational and practical skills and to provide a focal point for learners, staff and the community. College buildings also provide insurance against a digital divide growing between the ICT haves and have-nots. We must be careful to ensure that access to education does not depend on learners having access to the right level of IT equipment and connectivity in the home.

Find out more about our current project to build a Virtual College via the links below

Creating a Virtual College >>