Assistant Principal joins data skills push
An Edinburgh Assistant Principal has joined a new body set up to address pressing issues facing lifelong education in the UK.
Melissa Highton has been appointed to the Centenary Commission on Adult Education, which will consider the impact of societal changes and global challenges on the sector.
Meeting challenges
The University’s Assistant Principal Online Learning said the launch comes at an important time for Scotland as the country seeks to meet changing adult education needs.
She added that the sector had a vital role to play in ensuring that as many people as possible acquire the digital and data skills needed for the future.
Education commission
Ms Highton, who is also the University’s Director of Learning, Teaching and Web Services, is Scotland’s sole representative on the Commission.
As part of its brief, the Centenary Commission will assess the impact of globalisation on adult education in the UK.
It will also consider how the sector can adapt to changes in the workplace and the challenges posed by shifting demographics and an ageing population.
The Commission has been set up by the educational charity, the Co-operative College; the Raymond Williams Foundation; the Workers Educational Association; and the Universities of Nottingham and Oxford.
Chaired by Dame Helen Ghosh, Master of Balliol College in Oxford, the committee will publish a report of its findings in November.
I feel very honoured to be invited to be part of this Centenary Commission. It comes at an important time for Scotland as we review the role of adult education in meeting the needs of our community in terms of digital and data skills for the future.