Digital T Level Students Host Fascinating Debate on Future of Technology
Friday 6th June 2025
Students on our Digital Production, Design, and Development T Level course hosted an exciting and informative debate on the future of technology this week, arguing the points for and against the introduction of autonomous technologies.
Arranged in collaboration with communications company Telent, and held in front of a panel comprised of external partners and staff, learners took part in two debates, answering the questions ‘Is society ready for autonomous technology?’ and ‘Is the UK ready for autonomous vehicles?’.
In the first debate, surrounding the prospect of autonomous technology in society, the team supporting the argument presented information and data around science and engineering, sharing facts and figures on the benefits of automation in various sectors including healthcare, banking, and transportation.
On the opposing team, students suggested it was the potential for neurological degradation, lack of reliability, and loss of jobs that means that society isn’t yet ready for further automation in daily life.
Taking to the stage for the second debate around autonomous vehicles, the supporting team made their case around the continued development around technology and the ongoing advancement research being conducted around the world. Taking the negative stand, their opponents gave evidence on the lack of required infrastructure, vulnerability of system technology, and overall cost to consumers.
Following a short break during which the judges – made up of Curriculum Managers, Corrine Gardner and Nicola Stevens; Quality Officer Lewis Hussain; and external judge Alistair Wilson from local employer Flowmondo – deliberated their scores, the winning team was announced.
Learners Matt Farrell, Sergio Leal Gimeno, Khushal Kishore, Adam Pearman, and Omar Shah (named Team Chloe Birch after College alumna and badminton champion Chloe) were named the winning team for their rebuttal against the introduction of autonomous technology into society, and were presented with their prizes by Dean of Higher Education, Chris Cockerton, and Graduate Engineer at Telent, Michael Adcock.
Speaking about the event, Michael shared: “We are so pleased with the excellent work the students produced and the valid and impassioned points they made. Telent is working more closely with students at Loughborough College and beyond to offer learners the opportunity to learn about technology and communications in a more hands-on and exciting way.”
