Edinburgh College Banner

Quality Enhancement

PDA Facilitate Inclusive Learning and Working

Campus OL - Open Learning/Cross Campus

Qualification SCQF Level 9

Study mode Part time

Start date Aug 2024

Course enquiry form

Note your interest for this course.
Enter your full name
Enter your email address
This form collects your name and email address so we can contact you with pre-application information on future courses including application deadlines, campus open days and course information. Read our privacy notice to find out how we collect, store and use your data (and for information on withdrawing your consent).

Course overview

The principal context for this programme is the teaching and learning environment. All candidates should have access to a workplace where evidence to meet the learning outcomes can be generated. The programme has been designed for education and training practitioners who are actively involved in the support of learners and employees.

Whether you are a Learning Support Advisor, Study Support Tutor, Support Coordinator, or Disability Advisor, this programme provides an opportunity for continuing professional development for candidates to develop a critical understanding of the principles of equality, diversity, and inclusiveness in the creation of inclusive learning and working environments.

It introduces you to the concept of developing inclusive teaching and support strategies for individuals through the effective use of assistive technologies and non-technological approaches that advance equality and widen access for all.

Completion of the single unit provides a solid foundation for the double unit and must be completed first to achieve the full PDA.

The (PDA) Award is delivered by Edinburgh College in partnership with College Development Network, using a combination of pre-recorded lectures, lecturer-mediated discussions, web resources, self-study resources and the option of mentored support.

What you will learn

This Professional Development Award (PDA) comprises two units of learning.

Single Unit: Facilitate Inclusive Learning and Working (SCQF level 9):

  • Introduction to Equality, Diversity & Inclusion
  • Understanding Equality Legislation in Context
  • Our Role in Equality: Values, Attitudes & Bias
  • Sharing Best Practice
  • Exploring Accessibility
  • Non-technological Solutions
  • Exploring Assistive Technologies
  • Ergonomic Solutions

Double Unit: Implement Inclusiveness Through Needs-Led Assessment (SCQF level 9):

  • Inclusive Needs Assessment Practice
  • Understanding Disability Frameworks in Education
  • Effective strategies for needs assessment.
  • Making Recommendations
  • Needs Assessment report writing.
  • Evaluating own practice

Placement information

  • No placement is included as candidates must already be working in an education and training organisation where evidence to meet the learning outcomes (PDA) can be generated.

How the course is assessed

  • Your success in this course is dependent on the timely completion of a range of summative activities and formative assignments. Assignments based on practice, using written/documentary evidence, oral questioning, or professional discussion are required.
  • Assessment for the single unit includes an analysis of current practice with a supporting action plan and a presentation. There are also 6 evaluations of technology and non-technological support strategies.
  • Assessment for the double unit includes a case study, and 4 needs assessment reports covering 4 different types of needs.

Number of days per week

The PDA course involves the study of a single unit and a double unit delivered online one evening per week using Microsoft Teams.

Entry requirements

Entry to this qualification is at the discretion of the centre although candidates require access to a workplace and to be in a role that involves the support of individuals with the protected characteristic of disability as well as some responsibility for meeting their additional support needs and which provides opportunities to evaluate enabling technologies. Candidates undertaking this qualification would normally be expected to have completed, or be working towards, a relevant qualification at the HNC level or above. Candidates will benefit from having prior experience in using technology to support learning and/or to adapt working practices to meet individual needs although this is not a pre-requisite.

It is essential you agree with your employer on how you will be mentored by an experienced needs assessor for the double unit: needs assessment. A suitable mentor can be arranged by the course tutor for the candidate at an additional cost.

Candidates will already be employed in one of the following capacities:

  • Subject lecturer
  • Teacher
  • Access and inclusion co-ordinator
  • Student services manager
  • Assistive technologist
  • Trainer

Information on Tests / Auditions / Interview Requirements

  • No interview is required. Applicants should complete an Edinburgh College Application form.

Progression and Articulation Routes

  • This is a Professional Development Award (PDA) designed to meet the development needs of current practitioners who wish to develop a critical understanding of the principles of equality, diversity and inclusiveness in the creation of inclusive learning and working environments.
CDN Course Logo

Career options

Candidates will already be employed in one of the following capacities:

  • Subject lecturer
  • Teacher
  • Access and inclusion co-ordinator
  • Student services manager
  • Assistive technologist Trainer

Candidates can move on to a person-centered needs assessment role where they can focus on completing contextualised needs assessments working within a practice focused on inclusiveness.   

Study Options

Campus Study mode Start date
OL - Open Learning/Cross Campus Part time 26/08/24

You may also be interested in these courses

Quality Enhancement

Let’s Get Thinking Creatively Level 6

Do you have trouble concentrating?  Or do you find it hard to study? Sometimes just cannot get the thinking process to k...

Read more and apply

Campus
Granton Campus

Qualification
SCQF Level 6

Study mode
Part time

Quality Enhancement

Let’s Get Thinking Creatively Level 7

Do you have trouble concentrating?  Or do you find it hard to study? Sometimes just cannot get the thinking process to k...

Read more and apply

Campus
Granton Campus

Qualification
SCQF Level 7

Study mode
Part time

Quality Enhancement

Let's Get Thinking Creatively Level 5

Do you have trouble concentrating?  Or do you find it hard to study? Sometimes just cannot get the thinking process to k...

Read more and apply

Campus
Granton Campus

Qualification
SCQF Level 5

Study mode
Part time

Quality Enhancement

Teaching Creative and Critical Thinking

As well as being able to deliver subject matter and skills, teachers have an important third role: cultivating creative ...

Read more and apply

Campus
Granton Campus

Qualification
SCQF Level 10

Study mode
Part time

Quality Enhancement

Teaching Practice PDA

This Professional Development Award is a teaching qualification for newly appointed and existing college lecturers. It p...

Read more and apply

Campus
Milton Road Campus

Qualification
SCQF Level 9

Study mode
Part time

Quality Enhancement

Introduction to Data Storytelling with Excel (SCQF level 5)

An Introduction to Data Storytelling with Excel course is tailored to accommodate your lifestyle, entirely free to learn...

Read more and apply

Campus
OL - Open Learning/Cross Campus

Qualification
SCQF Level 5

Study mode
Part time

Quality Enhancement

Introduction to Digital and Data Innovation (SCQF level 6)

Data Science is essential to living, learning, and working. It revolves around turning insights extracted from data into...

Read more and apply

Campus
OL - Open Learning/Cross Campus

Qualification
SCQF Level 6

Study mode
Part time