A college staff member at Cardiff and Vale College, Gaio Ze Kouyate, faces serious allegations of using his work laptop to send sexually explicit messages as reported by Wales Online. Kouyate, a virtual world learning specialist, is accused of creating sexualised avatars within the CAVC virtual campus and failing to implement safeguarding measures. According to the Education Workforce Council Wales committee, Kouyate suggested to colleagues that students could manipulate their dates of birth to access restricted content on the Second Life virtual world system. The panel stated that Kouyate did not attend the fitness to practise hearing and was unrepresented, leading all allegations against him to be considered denied.
Lisa Purcell, responsible for managing safeguarding at the college, raised concerns about sexualised avatars created by Kouyate within the virtual campus. These avatars had exaggerated features and engaged in inappropriate conversations. Moreover, Kouyate constructed a scenario in the virtual crime scene involving an over-sexualised female murder victim avatar, prompting further scrutiny. Stevie Emmanuel, Kouyate’s line manager, admitted that he had excessive autonomy in developing virtual worlds for students. She highlighted instances where Kouyate’s creations exhibited concerning levels of sexualisation, leading to changes in access restrictions.
Kouyate was tasked with building the CAVC campus within the Second Life virtual space accessible only to college staff and students. However, following concerns about inappropriate content, it was discovered that Kouyate had accessed such content from a work laptop, identifying him as a college staff member. This breach led to Kouyate being suspended on full pay pending further investigation. The allegations against Kouyate include accessing inappropriate content, sending sexually explicit messages, and failing to uphold safeguarding controls within the virtual campus.
The panel further outlined the specific allegations against Kouyate, which include using his work laptop for accessing inappropriate content, creating sexualised avatars, and sharing access information with colleagues. The hearing continues to delve into Kouyate’s conduct between 2021 and 2022, focusing on his professionalism as a virtual world learning specialist at CAVC. Concerns about Kouyate’s actions within the virtual space have raised significant ethical and safeguarding issues within the college’s educational environment.
The revelations from the professional standards panel highlight the importance of maintaining appropriate conduct in educational settings, particularly in virtual platforms where students engage in learning activities. The role of safeguarding measures and professional boundaries in virtual learning environments has come under scrutiny due to Kouyate’s alleged misconduct. The ongoing investigation serves as a reminder of the ethical responsibilities college staff members hold in ensuring a safe and secure learning environment for students.
The Cardiff and Vale College administration must address the implications of Kouyate’s actions and take necessary steps to reinforce safeguarding protocols and professional standards within the institution. As the hearing unfolds, the outcomes will likely impact how virtual learning specialists engage with students and content in virtual educational spaces. The case serves as an opportunity for colleges to reevaluate their practices and reinforce the importance of upholding ethical standards in virtual learning environments.