Post-16 e/Learning Strategy Keith Duckitt

1. Post-16 e/Learning StrategyKeith Duckitt ALT Policy Meeting Birkbeck College - July 8 2003

2. NLN Strategic Framework 2002-5 – Vision • Barriers to access to lifelong learning will be progressively removed • All education professionals will be confident to routinely use the full range of facilities that e-learning offers • Learners will be able to take full advantage of learning opportunities regardless of mode and place of study • Learning managers and facilitators will be able to make more efficient and effective use of resources • Business and accountability processes will be simplified

3. Purpose and function of DfES/LSC Joint Implementation Group (JIG) • To provide high level guidance to Ministers on the post-16 element of the DfES’s overall e-learning strategy • To report to the LSC on DELG and/or LSC specific matters • To bring greater coherence between partners in the delivery of e-learning across the whole of the learning and skills sector • To produce an overarching broad implementation plan

4. Summary of JIG Plan • Active co-ordination of e-learning policy development by the DfES and LSC, and at national level between and within the agencies and provider organisations • Planning of the e-learning provision at local and regional level through specific parts of the Strategic Area Review process • Arrangements for e-learning which support learner choice and blended learning, while allowing for experimentation and innovative development

5. Summary of JIG Plan • More and better content and more effective means of marshalling what exists in private and public domains, and making it available to educators and learners in straightforward ways • Development of NLN Online as the main vehicle for delivering this • More research and better use of that already available, identifying requirements, effective e-learning pedagogies, and technical and other standards, allowing us to root effective practice on an evidential basis

6. Summary of JIG Plan • Development of the delivery infrastructure in Adult & Community Learning, Specialist Colleges, school sixth forms and the workplace • Greater integration of Ufi and UK online into post-16 learner choices • Extensive programme of staff development for governors, managers and staff, underpinned by robust standards and a range of practical tools

7. Resources have been identified in the Council’s non-recurrent budgets to support the majority of these activities

8. Staff Transformation • Substantial culture change for many senior managers • New pedagogic e-skills for teaching staff • Improved value approaches towards support and technical staff • New breeds of learning technologists.

9. Whither Content Development? • Continuing need for high quality learning materials for mass usage • Better development tools for local/specialised e-learning materials • Much more innovation to improve engagement – games, interactive TV, 3D simulations etc.

10. What about Sustainability? • As e-learning becomes mainstream, and pedagogies reflect that, the need for earmarked cash for e-learning local investment diminishes • Some things will still be best handled nationally • Institutions need assistance in ‘cost of ownership’ and risk assessment areas

11. What about the Workforce? • DfES Skills Strategy – TOMORROW! • Substantial emphasis on potential of e-learning • Sector specific agenda • New sets of challenges.