Digital ACE Blogs
As part of our Digital ACE project, we have reviewed, updated and re-launched a series of HOLEX blogs that focus on elements of digital teaching.
These blogs are all summarised in a document that can be downloaded here and are also all accessible below via this page.
HOLEX Initiates Strategic Growth Plan with Appointment of Chief Executive
In a confident stride towards further growth and development, HOLEX announces a pivotal proposal that underscores the organisation's commitment to expanding its influence and services. This exciting development comes on the heels of increased demand for HOLEX's adult...
97% of ACE Institutes good or outstanding
This is an exceptional statistic and demonstrates the strength of the Adult Community Education sector. The Chief Inspectors report is available here. Government statistics up to 31 Aug 23 are available here.
Vacancy – Membership and Operations Assistant
We are recruiting for our first Membership and Operations Assistant at HOLEX. This role is pivotal in supporting and strengthening the adult community education sector through network building, advocacy, and skills and knowledge development. It’s an exciting...
HOLEX Spending Review – September 2024
HOLEX: Submission to the Treasury A change of direction to benefit all – a People’s Skills Strategy. The time to act is now. Investing in adult education is not just a moral imperative; it’s a "spend to save" policy. Adult skills acquisition and education have a...
Wider Role of Adult Education and Skills – HOLEX letter to Financial Times
HOLEX Policy Director Sue Pember responds to an article in the Financial Times. Her published letter highlights the role of adult education in fostering social cohesion in addition to its significant role relating to economic growth. Letter to the Editor Wider...
Tailored Learning guidance – survey
HOLEX is leading on the development of a guidance document on Tailored Learning, undertaken at the recommendation of the DFE. The draft guidance document is available here. We have issued a consultation survey - available here - on the use and effectiveness of the...
HOLEX Annual Report – 2022/23
Our annual report delineates HOLEX's accomplishments in 2022/23 and offers insight into our members' feedback on our services. Find out more about our year and see what our members have to say about our work here. “For any new person joining the ACE...
Government commitment to funding the wider benefits of adult education
HOLEX is delighted that the DfE listened to the voice of the sector in 2022/23. Our lobbying and advocacy resulted in a change to the Government’s proposed restrictive purpose and outcomes categories for adult community learning.
Using Nearpod to create resources quickly from existing materials
This post considers how you can use Nearpod, a free content creation tool with many templates that allow you to quickly bring content together. It works across devices and can be used face-to-face in a virtual classroom or independent self-study.There are so many...
Using Type Studio; a quick way to edit your videos
Type Studio - A creative tool that enables you to do quick edits without needing any video editing skills. If you are creating videos for learners to study independently, then there is a very creative tool that enables you to do quick edits without learning any video...
Branching scenarios; an interactive, non-linear form of learning
This blog looks at branching scenarios and how they can be used. An example is shown, based on a workplace scenario, with the learner taking the part of a character in the story. The route the learner follows through the resource will vary depending on the decisions...
Xerte Online Toolkit; an accessible content creation tool
In this blog, find out more about Xerte online toolkit, an open-source web-based content creation tool that enables users to use a wide range of page templates to create multi-media rich interactive learning materials. What is Xerte? Xerte online toolkit is an...
AccessYouTube; accessing YouTube via an uncluttered user interface without adverts
This tool provides a way to show Youtube videos to the whole class, or for learners to search for and view videos without advertising being a distraction. The large buttons make it easy to pause a video to ask questions or hold a discussion etc. What is AcessYouTube?...
Using screen capture software to support teaching, learning & assessment
Using screen capture software Teachers are busy people so it’s great to find a tool that’s quick to learn, easy to use, and can be applied in many different ways. Screen capture software is a really useful tool to support teaching, learning, and assessment....
Thinking accessibility when delivering through your VLE
A VLE is an individual organisation's biggest investment in assistive technology. If you have an easy to use VLE, one that is used effectively, it will meet a huge range of needs of a wide range of learners. Why use a Virtual Learning Environment (VLE)? Learning...
StudyStack; free Study Tools, Flashcards, & Interactive Learning Games for Students
What is StudyStack? StudyStack is a study tool “that makes learning, memorizing information, and preparing for an exam, a fun, stress-free, and enjoyable experience”. The basic version is free and includes gamified study activities including crossword puzzles,...
QR Codes; maximising use in adult education
QR Codes These 2D barcodes seem to be popping up everywhere from packaging to bus stops but are we realising their potential in education? QR (Quick Response) codes can be easily created to link to a range of things including websites, audio recordings, videos, text...
Fifteen uses for video-conferencing software
Video conferencing software During Covid-19 many providers were delivering learning from a distance and so started using video conferencing/webinar software to create a virtual classroom. But have you thought about how else you can use these tools in adult...
Plickers – a way to assess learners out in the community
Do you teach in venues with limited access to technology or the Internet? If so, Plickers might be the formative assessment tool for you as it only requires the teacher to have a mobile phone.What is Plickers? Plickers is an App that works with both Android and Apple...
Mindmaps
What is a mindmap? A mindmap is a visual representation of ideas and information. They are a useful way to quickly store thoughts, ideas, and challenges so that each can be returned to, reflected on, and expanded. Mindmaps can use images, text, audio, and links to...