Director of Bilingual Development, Learning Resources and Skills highlights Grŵp's tech advancements at national conference
Grŵp Llandrillo Menai’s Director of Bilingual Development, Learning Resources and Skills played a prominent role at Coleg Cymraeg Cenedlaethol’s conference on Bilingualism and Technology.
Angharad Roberts, who is also a Board Member of the Coleg Cymraeg Cenedlaethol, presented Grŵp Llandrillo Menai’s innovative and sector-leading use of technology following the Covid-19 pandemic at the conference.
The event, sponsored by Jisc, focused on leveraging technology to enhance bilingual and Welsh medium education within higher education, further education, and apprenticeship sectors.
Her presentation outlined the Grŵp’s innovative and sector-leading use of technology post-Covid-19. She detailed the upgrades to online learning platforms aimed at improving accessibility and the initiative to equip both students and staff with laptops or tablets, effectively bridging the digital divide.
Angharad also led the development of Grŵp Llandrillo Menai’s Hybrid Teaching and Learning Standards and Principles. Launched in 2020, these standards continue to be widely adopted across the organisation, setting a benchmark for effective bilingual hybrid education.
She also highlighted the launch of the Grŵp’s Library+ facility, a vibrant bilingual learning location where students can study, think and create in a relaxed and welcoming environment. As part of this new development, learners have access to specialist online databases including a wide range of e-book and e-journal platforms. Learners benefit from free WiFi access, and digital learning equipment such as virtual-reality headsets and coding kits.
During her time at the conference, she was also a key contributor to a panel discussion which was led by fellow Coleg Cymraeg Cenedlaethol Board Member and past Welsh Language Commissioner, Meri Huws.
Alongside Lisa Waters, Essential Skills HWB Manager at Urdd Gobaith Cymru, Sarah Jones, Head of Academic Services for the Library and Learning Resources at University of Wales Trinity Saint David and Wyn Williams, Senior Lecturer at School of Construction (NPTC Colleges Group), Angharad discussed the use of technology to support bilingual education in Wales.
Speaking after the conference, Angharad said: “It was a pleasure to be able to share the extensive good practice we’ve developed within the Grŵp in the use of technology - particularly since the pandemic. Our recent Estyn inspection has also highlighted hybrid teaching and learning as an example of good practice."
She added: “Our lecturers are using technology to enhance their bilingual teaching practices and we’re continuing to explore new technologies such as artificial intelligence in order to ensure our learners have the necessary skills to meet the needs of employers across North Wales and beyond.”