Animal Science studies at Shuttleworth College
have been given a digital boost with the MoLeNet TV Award.
This national award recognises the College's
use of iPhones, revolutionising the teaching and learning
experience. Exotic animals can now be studied with the use of
thousands of web-based applications that can be used in any
location at any time, including classrooms, home, community or
whilst on the move.
With MoLeNet (Mobile Learning Network),
students use a wide range of applications to download facts about
animals and use video and sound to record animal behaviour and
handling techniques. The information can then be used in
presentation format on a whiteboard and downloaded to MoLeNet where
the information is shared with schools and colleges across the
country.
Work can also be downloaded onto Moodle
(Bedford College's virtual learning environment) giving staff and
students instant access without the use of reams of paper.
Carl Groombridge (Centre Manager/Lecturer)
said:
“I was overwhelmed with this prestigious award
as this is testament to the hours of commitment and hard work
achieved by all involved.
“I'm very proud of Shuttleworth College's
animal management learners and staff that have developed a
collection of quality visual presentations, including various
unusual species from around the world!
“The Animal Centre has been working closely
with zoological institutions and is very proud of the colony of
Coatis, a cat sized mammal from South America with a long striped
tail and long snout, and we have a colony of Asian Short Clawed
Otters due in shortly... where learners have built the enclosures
within sessions. All these varied species enable different
experiences for all our learners studying animal management, which
is somewhat unique, soon to be documented and viewed via MoLeNet
TV.
“In addition to the above, a very special
(some would say very cute!) nocturnal animal has recently settled
in the Animal Centre'. This is the infamous Kinkajou, a South
American mammal that is very keen on honey! Hence the nickname
Honey Bears! We are lucky to have a breeding pair and look
forward to having offspring in the near future.”