NCC students enjoyed expeditions to the moon and through the solar system – all from the classroom – when Google visited the College.
Education was brought to life through the use of a Google Expeditions kit when A Level students from a broad range of subjects including Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Geology immersed themselves in the world of virtual reality lessons.
Using a tablet, tutors guided students through a curriculum-focused journey with virtual reality viewers. This included exploring the central nervous system and discovering the inner workings of the human heart in Science, and enjoying fascinating trips to the bottom of the sea and to the Galapagos Islands in Geology.
Biology student Anna Tofalos, 17, from Barnoldswick, said: “It was a really enjoyable lesson. Because it was interactive, I felt much more involved in it.”
Another Biology student Mikenzi Williams, 17, added: “It was exciting, different and very interesting.
“One of the things we did was look at the nervous system. It was really informative as well.”
NCC is continually developing the way curriculum is delivered in College and investigating the use of new technologies to enable this.
The College is number one in Lancashire for student satisfaction, according to a recent FE Choices Learner Satisfaction Survey, and the latest government data places NCC as top in the county for A Levels, based on progress scores, measured against colleges who entered more than 100 students into exams.
Science teacher Stephen Coase said: “We had a brilliant day using the Google Expeditions equipment. Lessons were really brought to life and to see our A Level students engaged with learning in a new way was great.
“The kit added a new dimension to the classroom learning environment and the feedback we have received from students has been nothing but positive.
“Whether we were looking at the solar system or discovering what lives on the seabed, adding an interactive element to lesson time really helps you visualise and understand a scene or situation in a way that a static image in a textbook cannot do – therefore enhancing the learning experience of students.
“We’re dedicated at NCC to providing the best education possible to our students, and the use of Google Expeditions is just one example of where we are looking to push the boundaries.”
For more information about Nelson and Colne College contact 01282 440272 or visit www.nelson.ac.uk
