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Intelligence West Wilts & Swindon Somerset Dorset Devon Cornwall

e-Learning - widening participation in the region

Duration: 12 January 2003 to 13 February 2003

Research Briefs

Related Links

Resources

Workshops

Good Practice

e-Learning is now a clear feature of the learning landscape. One of the most exciting dimensions of e-Learning is its proven ability to remove some of the barriers faced by many people in accessing traditional learning opportunities. However, despite its potential for engaging a broader community of learners, e-Learning has not yet been fully embedded in our teaching and learning practice. This Learning Theme will provide an opportunity to debate the potential for e-Learning to contribute to the region’s widening participation agenda and the practical steps needed to make this happen. This Learning Theme follows on from the recent regional conference, Adding the 'e' to Learning, which set out to explore the potential of learning and technology as a catalyst for workforce development. The conference demonstrated how much more work needs to be done locally, regionally and nationally for learners to get all that they want and need from the possibilities of the technologies. It further emphasised the need for practical support, more effectively embedding e-Learning into more traditional curricula, and strategies for engaging non-learners.

The Learning Theme will also coincide with the Government's consultation, Towards a Unified e-Learning Strategy, which aims to 'turn the pockets of e-learning excellence we already have into standard features of learning and teaching'.

Evidence suggests that e-learning can have a motivational effect for learners. ICT can be an attractive route into learning for those with poor literacy and numeracy skills. Greater accessibility, opportunities for self-paced learning and the flexibility to respond to different learning styles are also potential benefits to learners. But, despite a growing understanding of the potential of e-Learning, there remains a range of barriers to its uptake and successful implementation. The lack of access to Broadband in the South West is one obvious example.

During this Theme we considered:

  1. the potential that e-learning offers to widen participation and support skills development;
  2. what practical steps might be taken to encourage more learning providers and employers to make the most of e-Learning to improve participation in learning;
  3. the nature and extent of best practice, particularly in relation to the adult and community learning providers and outreach training solutions; and
  4. the barriers
    5. to delivering e-Learning in the region.

THEME ACTIVITIES

During the Theme SLIM researchers:

· identified, summarised and contextualised research on the issue for participants
· interviewed policy makers
· identified projects demonstrating good practice and write these up as case studies
· facilitated a 4 week on-line discussion
· Held a workshop, on the 13th February 2004 at Dillington House, Taunton (cost £50 p.p. incl lunch).

Resources have been highlighted via the on-line discussion and made available through the buttons on this page.

Research briefs, summarising our research and findings are also available.

The Theme culminated in a workshop bringing together participants to reflect on the findings and discussion and to develop recommendations for our Final Report. This will be distributed widely in the region and fed back to policy makers by Theme participants.

The report is available to download online (see below for links). If you would like to receive a copy of the report please email m.h.todd@exeter.ac.uk

Full report PDF Word
Executive Summary PDF Word
Good Practice PDF Word


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