Digital Unlocked! Staff Development Day Empowers Colleagues to Embrace New Technologies

Delivered entirely by college staff, the event celebrated the wealth of digital expertise across the organisation, encouraging colleagues to develop their skills through practical workshops, shared experiences and collaborative discussions. From Artificial Intelligence (AI) and cybersecurity to digital resources and data reporting, the sessions showcased how technology can unlock new opportunities for staff and students alike.

One of the standout sessions, Working Smarter with AI, introduced practical ways AI can reduce workload and improve efficiency. Through real-life examples and demonstrations, staff explored how AI can support tasks such as drafting emails, creating learning resources, summarising information and planning projects. The session also highlighted the importance of using AI responsibly, helping colleagues build confidence while maintaining professional judgement.

Teaching staff also took part in Deep Dive with Copilot: Teach – Study – Learn, where Microsoft Copilot was brought to life through live demonstrations and hands-on activities. The interactive workshop demonstrated how AI can inspire creativity, support learners and simplify classroom preparation.

Supporting teaching and student success remained a key focus throughout the day. Sessions on ProSolution and ProMonitor explored effective ways to monitor learner progress and improve outcomes, while the Vision Reports workshop showed colleagues how to make better use of data to support informed decision-making.

The Think Before You Click session provided an engaging update on the latest cybersecurity threats, offering practical advice on recognising phishing scams, strengthening password security and protecting both personal and college systems.

Colleagues also discovered more about the college's digital services through sessions on the Digital Library, showcasing e-books, journals and online archives, and IT Basics for Everyday Work, which provided practical guidance on key systems and everyday digital tasks.

Adding a fun finale, The Big Digital Game Show brought colleagues together for a technology-themed quiz, proving that professional development can be both informative and enjoyable.

Caroline Palmer, who works as a SEND Transition Coach, said: “I attended four sessions and found it very informative. It was only my second Staff Development Day, and I enjoyed it more than the last one. I attended an AI class which explained the difference between using AI at home and the internal college Copilot one. I found this really, really beneficial. I also did the Keeping Safe Online and the Immersive Room one. I found the Immersive Room really interesting to see how we can develop this for students to use.” 

Jason Eastwood, Head of Digital Education & Learning Environments said: “Digital is one of the fastest-moving areas of modern life, and its influence continues to grow across education, business and society as a whole. Rather than seeing this as something to fear, we should see it as an opportunity. When used thoughtfully, digital technology can remove barriers, save time, unlock creativity and help people achieve more than ever before. Our role as educators is to ensure staff and students have the confidence, skills and understanding to make the most of these opportunities. Digital Unlocked! was all about empowering colleagues to do exactly that. At the end of the Development Day, the following staff received long service awards for their continual commitment to the college.”

Long Service Awards

20 Years

Darren Tozer

Wendy Tregaskes

Bradley Lansdale

Sarah Howe

Maria Redwood-Shlyk

Lendita Iberhysaj

Diane Bath

Antje Gruening

Jason Eastwood

Lorna Wallis

25 years

Emma Chibbett

Danielle Horobin

Joanne Mangwende

Rick Williams 

Sylvianne Lambert-Hutchinson

30 Years

Julie Figg

Heather Sharp

Sharon Littlefield

Liz Soloman 

Sarah Howard 

Organiser of the Staff Development Day, Jo Daniel said: “We continually strive to come up with innovative and effective workplace Development Days for our staff. The fun element of the quiz went down very well for all who attended too! Digital Unlocked! reflects Bournemouth and Poole College's commitment to continuous professional development and digital innovation, equipping staff with new skills, fresh ideas and the confidence to enhance the student experience in an increasingly digital world. Well done to all our long-service staff, who have really gone the extra mile.”