The JISC Regional Support Centre Wales is one of 13 RSCs covering the UK. It’s our job to support the development of e-learning and Information Learning Technology in FE, Sixth Form, Adult and Community Learning and aspects of Higher Education. We cover teaching and learning, management, staff development, technical IT and business support.
The role of RSC Wales has been expanded to include the Work Based Learning (WBL) sector in Wales. This is part of the ongoing Welsh Assembly Government’s strategy to extend e-learning across all post 16 education and training.
The RSC Wales now works directly with Work Based Learning providers in Wales to ensure that the opportunities created by the development of new learning technologies can be realised.
This is delivered through the RSC-Wales website, a helpdesk, visits, events, workshops, forums, newsletters, mailing lists and web 2.0 tools.
The E-Learning Advisors responsible for delivering this service are Russell Symmons and Alyson Dacey who support the sector by offering Information Learning Technology advice and guidance on topics such as strategic development and implementation, staff development and learning resources.
Meet Your e-Learning Advisers
Alyson Dacey
Before joining RSC Wales I spent 10 years working within the FE sector in a variety of roles including lecturing, work based learning and professional development.
Experiences drawn from this time provided an ideal platform for me to undertake Master’s research into e-learning, its benefits, suitability and barriers. As my programme of study was via e-learning I have firsthand experience of the flexibility and quality raising aspects of the medium but also how isolating it can be if not used appropriately.
My new role affords me the opportunity to work in partnership with the WBL Sector to develop skills and explore and utilise innovative technologies to enhance teaching and learning within Wales.
Contact details a.dacey@swansea.ac.uk
Russell Symmons
I have 22 years experience of Work Based Learning, initially as Electronics Supervisor at Blaenau Gwent Information Technology Centre and latterly asTraining Manager for Carmarthenshire Training and Technology Centre. In 2003 I was appointed as Vice Chair of the National Training Federation of Wales, a post I held for 3 years.
As an Electronic Engineer and avid computer enthusiast technology has always played a central part in both my work and leisure pursuits. Appointed to the role of e-Learning Advisor in November 2007, I am optimistic that my enthusiasm for technology combined with my knowledge of all aspects of Work Based Learning will bring much needed support and guidance to the sector.
Contact details r.symmons@swansea.ac.uk
