Posted: Wednesday 21 December 2011
Enterprising student begins studies from America
A dedicated student swapped the typical chalkboard for a keyboard as he kicked off his College course through a Virtual Learning Environment from America.
Stephen Main (21), from Prestwick wished to start his HN Sports Coaching Course at Kilmarnock College which began in August - but was already committed to taking part in a soccer coaching programme in America.
So keen to start the course, Stephen began his Sports Coaching course online and was able to succesfully complete the US programme mentoring young boys and girls' youth teams in Michigan, Illinois and Wisconsin.
Kilmarnock College provided Stephen with access to an online Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) to allow him to take up his place on the course and to ensure Stephen didn't fall too far behind his fellow students.
The VLE provided a set of teaching and learning tools which could be accessed 24 hours a day. Course materials including presentations, study notes and assessments were uploaded by the College which Stephen accessed through a standard laptop with internet access.
Stephen joined his classmates on the Kilmarnock College campus earlier this month after completing his soccer coaching scholarship in the USA.
Kenny Girvan, Service Leader Learning Resources, said: "The VLE allowed Stephen to start his course in the USA before coming to Kilmarnock College to study with his classmates in the usual fashion.
"The innovative and unique programme minimised the disadvantage of not starting his College course in August in the classroom along with the other students and allowed Stephen to start the course much later than normal."
Stephen, said: "The Virtual Learning Environment was the perfect way for me to begin my studies before continuing them at Kilmarnock College.
"The programme was really easy to use and the online aspect of the course enhanced my learning experience by including computers and the internet in the learning process."
-Ends-
For more information, contact:
Joanna Wilson, Beattie Communications, 01698 787847/ joanna.wilson@beattiegroup.com
Sarah Ballantyne, Beattie Communications, 01698 787859/ sarah.ballantyne@beattiegroup.com
Scotland's Colleges Annual Awards 2011 - Winner of Public Value Award.
