Google Returns to BCoT to See AI in Action
Google returned to Basingstoke College of Technology (BCoT) for an in-depth follow-up visit to see firsthand how the College is pioneering the integration of artificial intelligence and digital tools in further education.
The visit follows an initial showcase earlier this year with Ben Gomes, Chief Technologist, Learning & Sustainability at Google, who was so impressed by BCoT’s forward-thinking approach that he encouraged a focused technical and educational team to visit the campus. This second delegation included senior Google leaders Divya Jani, VP of Strategy and Operations, and Mila Adamova, Senior Director, Product Ops, alongside Colin Marson, EMEA and Asia Pac Director, Rohin Bryan Deb, Strategic Engagement Manager, and Anu Manthri, Head of GfE UKI.
During the visit, Google representatives worked directly with BCoT leadership, teaching staff, and students to gather user feedback, observe active classroom integration, and explore deeper collaborative opportunities. High-level strategic discussions focused on how further education institutions can adapt to a rapidly changing, tech-driven economy.
Claire Scott, Deputy Principal at BCoT, highlighted the College's proactive stance on emerging technology:
"While many institutions across the country are choosing to look the other way, BCoT is facing artificial intelligence head-on. Parents naturally want to ensure their children are entering careers that are resilient in an AI-driven landscape, and our focus is on preparing students directly for the workplace with robust, practical skills."
A key focus of the visit was BCoT's innovative strategy regarding student assessments. Addressing concerns over traditional essays being susceptible to AI generation, the Digital Team demonstrated how BCoT is adopting "authentic assessment alternatives." These include students using Google Vids and Google Slides to build interactive portfolios and presentation skills, as well as incorporating podcasts and direct witness statements.
"Out of AI, a distinctly non-human technology, we are actually generating more innovative, human, and meaningful ways to assess knowledge," noted Scott Hayden, Head of Teaching, Learning and Innovation, during discussions with Google.
During the visit, Google observed live classroom integration across subjects ranging from Automotive to Health & Social Care and held direct feedback sessions with a student panel. Key discussions focused on:
Mandatory AI Ethics Module: Ensuring all incoming students understand responsible and ethical technology use.
Personalised GCSE Learning: Supporting students through tailored digital tools and custom Google Skills.
Teacher Workload Reduction: Utilizing "Fixter" — the College's internal marking assistant that incorporates mandatory human checkpoints to protect academic integrity.
Google representatives praised BCoT’s advanced implementation, noting that the College remains significantly ahead of sector benchmarks in its depth of strategic thinking, practical classroom integration, and commitment to student-led digital literacy.
Google and BCoT plan to continue their close collaboration, with further joint visits and product feedback initiatives planned for the near future.
