A college lecturer in the Scottish borders has taken even his practical lessons online to stop his students from missing out.
Because Covid-19 restrictions in the UK mean classes can’t take place face-to-face, rural skills lecturer Stuart Nimmo is producing some of his lessons on video.
Students on the Agriculture NC programme are learning about one of the course units – Crop Production Equipment – by watching a short video then producing a report to evidence that they understand the whole process.
As part of the learning, the students need to understand how to calibrate a crop sprayer, a grain drill and fertiliser spreader.
Stuart Nimmo commented: “My students would typically carry out this kind of learning with me on the farm. However, even with the current restrictions, they can still learn the theory by watching the video.
“I can check they have understood the process fully when they submit their written work and can follow up on any gaps in understanding by email or via video conference.”
Nimmo has taught at Borders College for over 20 years, currently teaching three days a week. He has farmed at Hopton, in the Borders, for 37 years farming crops, cattle and pigs.
The virtual lessons are available online for all to see.
Applications are now open for all courses starting in August 2020.
