Hi-tech help for PGCE students

Students on the College's PGCE Early Years programme are receiving some hi-tech help this year by being loaned handheld computers to use during the course of their studies.

The Personal Digital Assistants have been funded by a grant from the Training and Development Agency for Schools, and are intended to help students compile their Professional Development Journals online.

The journals play an important role in students' assessments, as they enable them to keep a record of their progress towards Qualified Teacher Status, particularly during their placements at schools and nurseries.

Lecturer Helen Williams said: "Our trainee teachers have to complete a portfolio of evidence, which this year they will do online, and the PDAs mean they can work on their portfolios wherever they are.

"The PDAs also include a camera, so students can take pictures of what they do, and a voice recorder, to record comments from the children they work with.

"They can also be used as a mobile phone and as a personal organiser, so students can keep their diary and contacts all in one place."

The 25 new PGCE students started on their course at the College this week.