Using ICT: Ensuring our Next Generation of Sports Trainers are at the Top of their Game

The overall project, based on using Focus software to enhance teaching and learning amongst the next generation of sports trainers, is multi-faceted, developmental in nature, on-going and long-term.

Focus is an industry leader in sports analysis software, and the initial resources produced, will be freely available to all FE Colleges, through the Coleg repository. The software includes 3D analysis, video comparison, overlay and full integration with PowerPoint and can be used on location, in physical performance areas, in the classroom or through the College VLE. Its use can be as simple or as complex as the end-users require, and its versatility means maximum impact on student performance and assessment of practical work.

The 'team' of staff and students will showcase some of the resources developed to date. Students will demonstrate a sports performance which will be captured on video, followed by immediate use of the software, showing how it will enhance personal performance and instructional ability.

The team will also demonstrate how the software can support a more dynamic, interactive and realistic delivery of theoretical material and its ability to integrate context specific core skills such as Numeracy, Communication, IT and Working in Teams. Examples of how the software can be used as an effective tool in the standardisation of student assessment will also be shown.

This Education Showcase will be co-ordinated by Jackie Clinch, Mentor for Sports and Recreation at Scotland's Colleges and comprise of demonstrations from 'Champion College' staff and students in the use of video analysis software. The practical demonstrations will show how the software can be used to capture student performance for immediate evaluation and improvement and enhance the delivery of theoretical aspects of sports qualifications in a more dynamic, integrated and realistic way.

A further use demonstrated will be its ability to present clear understanding of criteria for students and assessors on the standards of employee performance required in the sport sector.