FE Success StoriesThe case studies below highlight a selection of success stories where colleges and universities have adapted their IT infrastructure and facilities to help students get much more out of their learning. See how establishments in the FE sector have improved academic standards while enhancing operational efficiency by implementing better management and administration solutions. You can also find out how students have benefited from better learning resources and elearning solutions, or how universities and colleges have significantly improved their IT infrastructure to help streamline vital functions and processes such as student registration procedures, email facilities and administration. On This PageCollaborative Campus | With more than 1000 distance learners from locations worlwide, Durham Business School has implemented the latest collaboration tools to ensure all teaching staff can can stay in touch with students and and share resources with them no matter where they are. |
"Small things such as presence alerts make a huge difference to the way our staff use their time."
Colin Ashurst, Senior Teaching Fellow, Information Systems and Business Transformation, Durham Business School
 | Sheffield College worked with the Microsoft IT Academy to offer courses in the skills needed by local businesses. The program is hugely successful and in it's first year more than 1000 local people attended the accredited training courses to improve their skills in line with local business needs. |
"We have increased numbers of delegates from zero three years ago to become a vibrant and successful part of the college."
Dave Pickersgill, Digital CoVE Development Manager, Sheffield College  | Cornwall College wanted to equip the local workforce with IT skills to help improve the regional economy. Many people in the area work for small businesses and find it hard to attend training sessions during work time, so the college decided to offer IT courses outside business hours through the Microsoft® IT Academy Program. As a result, employees gained new skills and professional credentials that firms can use to increase business. |
"You only get one chance to prove yourself as an effective IT supplier, and Microsoft certification helps us demonstrate to customers that we are capable of doing the job."
Graham Bray, Director of CF Systems, Cornwall College Dynamic Education Infrastructure | With approximately 2,200 full-time students aged 16 to 19, as well as a significant number of adult students, Queen Mary's College offers a wide variety of full-time and part-time courses. The college’s new virtual learning environment (VLE). has raised the profile of the college, improved student attendance and performance, and streamlined administration. |
"It’s much easier to see if a particular student is falling behind. If someone is floundering, we can catch it early and give the student the academic support he or she needs."
James Godfrey, Director of Information and Learning Technology, Queen Mary’s College  | After merging with another two colleges, Sussex Downs College standardised and upgraded the timetabling software used to schedule lessons and book classrooms and now administrators are saving time, students receive class schedules with no conflicts, and instructors no longer have to worry about their classrooms being double-booked. |
"We wanted to promote cohesion between the campuses, so it was important to have the same system that was easy to use and integrated with the existing MIS."
Tracey Adams, Management Information Officer, Sussex Downs College  | Located in the New Forest National Park, Brockenhurst college is committed to environmental issues so implemented Windows Vista to take advantage of its power-saving features, which have helped the college to cut costs and reduce carbon emissions. |
"Windows Vista fits perfectly with our strategy for environmental sustainability, while helping us better meet the needs of our students."
Dr. Robin Gadd, Head of Information Services, Brockenhurst College | 
