Staff Training & Development - AI & Accessibility
Overview:
In line with OLG4.5 and our commitment to maintaining high standards in online learning, The Open College is expanding its CPD programme to address evolving challenges in artificial intelligence and accessibility. While in the past, training in this area has been ad-hoc and programme based, there is a real need to integrate training in these areas into a more formal training plan. This plan outlines the development of two new training modules to complement existing provision. The Education Technologist is responsible for the implementation of this plan.
AI & Academic Integrity – Teaching in the Age of ChatGPT¶
Why:
The use of AI has become widespread in further education. This module will help tutors understand what tools students are using, what’s allowed, what’s not, and how to design assessments that can help mitigate the challenges of some of these tools.
What’s Covered:
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What tools (like ChatGPT, Grammarly, Quillbot) can and can’t do.
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How students are using them.
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Designing smarter assessments (integrating our assessment policy approved list) that don’t fall over when AI shows up.
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What “misuse” actually means and how to handle it fairly – integration of our current assessment policy.
Format:
Self- paced asynchronous SCORM module
Due:
Q3 2025
Accessibility Basics – Making Online Learning Inclusive¶
Why:
Our new frameworks for teaching, learning and assessment place a strong emphasis on accessibility. This module gives staff a simple set of tools and habits to make courses more inclusive from the start and seeks to integrate policy into training.
What’s Covered:
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What accessibility actually means in practice.
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Easy fixes in Moodle and Microsoft 365.
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Designing with screen readers, captions, colour contrast, and layout in mind.
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Where to get help and what to prioritise.
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Review of college policy and why we need it.
Format:
Self- paced asynchronous SCORM module
Due:
Q4 2025
Completion Summary¶
Status: Completed — March 2026
Both SCORM modules were developed and deployed to the Moodle platform within the planned timelines. Staff completion rates and evaluation outcomes are summarised below.
| Module | Completion Date | Staff Completion Rate | Avg. Satisfaction Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| AI & Academic Integrity | Q3 2025 | 92% | 4.3 / 5 |
| Accessibility Basics | Q4 2025 | 89% | 4.5 / 5 |
Key Outcomes: - All teaching staff completed both modules by end of Q4 2025 - Staff confidence in identifying AI-generated content increased significantly (pre/post survey) - Accessibility checklist adoption in course design improved following training - Findings fed into the 2025 Annual Programme Review cycle
Follow-on Actions: - Accessibility training to be included in annual refresher CPD schedule from 2026 - AI guidance to be reviewed and updated annually as tools evolve - Results to be reported to Academic Board as part of Q1 2026 QA review