HN CRAGOriginally uploaded by bobbyelliott. The HN Computing Review Advisory Group (HNCRAG) met this afternoon for one final look at the new HND Computing Arrangements before they go forward for validation next month.
Read moreRead more about HN CRAG meetingI attended a meeting this afternoon to discuss a new forum with responsibility for HN/SVQ awards. It’s called the Sector Panel for Computing & Call Handling. It’s main purpose is to support SQA staff through the provision of advice, information and guidance from key occupational stakeholders. The Computing & Call Handling group has representation from E-Skills UK, Microsoft, CompTIA, Cisco, Oracle as well as representatives from Scottish colleges and training providers, and the Scottish Executive. So it’s shaping-up to be…
Read moreRead more about Sector Panel for Computing and Call HandlingSQA 003Originally uploaded by bobbyelliott. The SVQ launch event takes place next week and I met with a couple of the speakers to discuss arrangements. Jack Robertson (left, front) will talk about the IT User awards and Jack Coleman (left, rear) will speak on IT Practitioner/Professional awards. Caroline Douglas (right, front) is over-seeing the organisation of the event and Tamsin Rae (right, rear) is the official SQA coffee-pourer (Tasmin is actually providing admin support for the event). You can still…
Read moreRead more about SVQ pre-launch meetingSQA 001Originally uploaded by bobbyelliott. The first Awarding Body Forum of the year was held today, at the BCS headquarters in central London. These meetings are organised by E-Skills and most awarding bodies attend. They provides opportunities for E-Skills to update the ABs on what’s happening with National Occupational Standards and also give the ABs an opportunity to raise issues with E-Skills. All of the ABs are in the throes of launching the new S/NVQs in Information Technology and this…
Read moreRead more about Awarding Body ForumI am a member of the Online Assessment Guidance Group which is responsible for, err, providing guidance to centres about online assessment. It seemed sensible to begin this task by asking people what they want SQA to produce so we created an online survey. The survey is short and will take less than 10 minutes to complete. The results will determine our future actions in this area. Please click here to complete the survey.
Read moreRead more about E-assessment surveyYou might have noticed the advert for new Qualification Officers (QOs) in Friday’s Herald? We’re looking for three new QOs – and one of them will join the Computing team. The successful person will help me develop and support Computing/IT qualifications within colleges and training centres including HN awards and SVQs. You would join a small, friendly team. More information here.
Read moreRead more about Qualification Officer wantedDEeLTA Steering Group Originally uploaded by bobbyelliott. I attended the first meeting of the DEeLTA Steering Group today. DEeLTA is a project, funded by ESF, to enhance e-learning within the UK. The project is managed by Clive Young of Caledonian University. The main purpose of the project is to produce two modules at Masters degree level (SCQF level 11). My interest is to ensure that this new curriculum fits in with E-Qualifications. I’m hoping that the new modules build on…
Read moreRead more about DEeLTA Steering GroupJoe Wilson and I attended a meeting with Charlie Sweeney of Jisc and Dave Hartland of NetSkills this morning to see if the excellent NetSkills training programmes can be used support the E-Qualifications suite of awards. NetSkills training material covers a wide range of topics – including e-learning – and is used by a large number of Scottish colleges. So it makes sense to recognise this training and accredit it where it contributes to an SQA qualification… and we’re hoping…
Read moreRead more about NetSkills and E-QualificationsComputer games visit to DundeeOriginally uploaded by bobbyelliott. I went to Dundee today to look at developments within the computer games industry within Scotland. I visited Abertay University and the offices of Visual Science, a successful games company located in the Technology Park. The purpose of the visit was to try to identify how SQA could support the efforts of the Scottish games industry. It gave us lots of ideas. Hopefully something concrete will come of it. I’m grateful to…
Read moreRead more about Computer games visit to DundeeSome of you may have a noticed a recent advert for new full-time moderators – including one for Computing. The post is initially for 12 months but this may be extended for a further year. More details here. It’s an exciting position. It will give you a tremendous insight into national standards. And, given the number of developments in Computing/IT, I can promise that there will never be a dull moment!
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