National praise for Oldham College

OLDHAM College has won national recognition for the way it uses technology to help students reach their full potential.

The Rochdale Road establishment has been accepted as a member of the Technology Exemplar Network — a national group of further education colleges and skills training bodies which promotes and shares innovative use of technology.

Success in being appointed to the network is a huge achievement for Oldham College as only 61 out of more than 220 applicants across the country were selected.

The Technology Exemplar Network was launched in 2008 to help colleges and other learning and training organisations use technology more effectively by sharing best practice. It is led by Becta — the Government’s educational technology agency and the Learning and Skills Council (LSC).

Jane Williams, of Becta, said: “The addition of Oldham College is clear evidence that more organisations are recognising the benefits technology can bring.”

The scheme gained a major boost recently when Lord Mandelson, the Government’s Business Secretary, announced a doubling in the size of the operation.

The expansion of this network will benefit two million learners and 50,000 teachers and trainers across the UK. Oldham College will now join this important and influential network of 113 members.

Geoff Russell, chief executive of the Learning and Skills Council, said: “The Exemplar Network is a fine example of peer-to-peer knowledge transfer.”