The body-cams can be worn on a lanyard by the teacher, fixed on a surface using a magnet, or hand-held. Footage was then uploaded to Microsoft Teams and used as part of lessons to model skills or explain key features and techniques.

Bricklaying students were treated to short teaching clips featuring walls situated around one teacher’s neighbourhood, Beauty students were able to watch their teacher modelling beauty treatments such as eyebrow tints and massage, and Hairdressing students could see their teacher modelling different cutting and colouring techniques. The footage not only enabled students to continue learning and developing their practical skills, but seeing and hearing their teachers helped them remain socially connected to the college too.

One of the teachers involved, Lisa Groves said:

The camera has been a godsend as during the latest lockdown I could film a haircut, then show the group as part of my lesson the next day. The learners loved it! They then completed their own haircuts at home using their kits and took photographs as evidence to share later in the session. Going forward, it will be great to use cameras in the salon to record cuts/ practical for those who are absent from the lesson.

A Level 2 Hair and Beauty student commented:

It really helped us to learn – it was the next best thing to being in college. The clips were really useful to watch again and refer back to. Our teacher breaks down the techniques as she models and it was so useful to be able to watch at home. Seeing our teacher also felt like we were learning with some human interaction too!

Curriculum Manager, Sage Khan added:

The body-cam pilot scheme has been highly beneficial for students to learn, engage and take control of their remote learning. The body-cams have literally bought the salon live into students’ homes making teachers the superheroes going the extra mile for teaching and learning!