30th July 2019
South Devon College wouldn’t be the fantastic place for learning that it is without knowledgeable and committed staff. With the Hi Tech & Digital Centre, it’s the same staff that have been making the Centre as good as it can possibly be for you whilst still doing everything else they would normally do.
To help you get an idea of what this new facility will mean for the College, its students, and the wider community, we’ve spoken to these key staff members to find out more about them, their journey, and what positive changes the Hi Tech & Digital Centre is going to make.
Also, if you’re joining us to study a course with us, the series will serve as a small introduction to the staff you will potentially be working with on a regular basis.
This week, we spoke to Lynne Andrews. Find out below what part she has to play in the new College revolution that is the Hi Tech & Digital Centre!
What is your role at South Devon College?
I am a lecturer in Creative Digital Media in Further and Higher Education, also HE Lead for Digital Media supporting the team with our degree programme.
What is your educational/working background?
This could be a very long list! I originally trained as a nurse when I left school and worked for a number of years in the operating theatre. I had always wanted to study Art and finally got my chance aged 30, moving down to Devon and studying at Dartington and Plymouth University. I then went on to do a Master’s degree in Media and Communication at Goldsmiths. I have had a variety of interesting jobs in addition to full time nursing and teaching: Chauffeuring at Wimbledon Tennis Championships; Prop Making for a concert and the Royal Albert Hall; other creative work in photography, video and design; working with one of the early pioneers of IVF; selling Back Care equipment in the West End and working the Tax Office. Since entering teaching in the late nineties I have worked as a lecturer, assessor and manager returning to SDC to the ‘shop floor’ four years ago where I am enjoying being back in the classroom.
What attracted you to work at South Devon College?
I realised I wanted to go into teaching – my headmistress was right all those years ago. I saw a part time vacancy which I applied for. The team were welcoming, supportive… and threw me in the deep end!
What part of your job do you enjoy the most?
The results. Seeing the light bulb moments when the students get what I am saying and start developing their understanding and creativity.
What is your vision for the future of your sector?
Growth. We will always need creative visualisers; the challenge for us as educators is keeping up with all of the new technology so we can prepare our students for employment and teach them to adapt and respond to the changes that will come in their future.
How do you see digital technologies developing within your sector?
Digital technologies are opening up a whole new and varied world of opportunities that will impact on every area of life. These are positive changes that will enhance education, recreation, health and many other sectors.
What are you most looking forward to about the Hi Tech & Digital Centre opening in September?
Broadening access to new technologies. The new centre has been carefully designed to facilitate greater learning opportunities which in turn will enable our students to be more creative and innovative. I am also looking forward to seeing students’ reactions when we show them around!
What piece of tech do you find the most useful in day to day life?
The pencil.
What is your favourite motivational song?
Let The River Run by Carly Simon. I first heard this song when I had just received my offer at University; I knew at that moment I was about to start on an exciting (and scary) new adventure.
What is the best thing about living and/or working in South Devon?
The drive to work. Having lived in London and done the daily commute on the underground seeing the glorious Devon countryside on my journey to and from work is a real bonus. South Devon is perfectly positioned for access to sea, moor and city.
The Hi Tech & Digital Centre is due to open in September 2019. We look forward to seeing you there!
For more information about the Hi Tech & Digital Centre and what courses will be delivered there, email [email protected] or call 08000 380 123.
The Hi Tech & Digital Centre (HTDC) combines £8.3m from the Heart of the South West LEP’s Growth Deal funding from the Heart of the South West LEP, as well as funding support from European Regional Development Fund, Higher Education Funding Council for England, Garfield Weston Foundation, Torbay Council, South Devon College and private sector investment. It will be a flagship facility, alongside other Institutes of Technology developments in the country.
