June 12 th 2003

1. THE IMPORTANCE OF e-Learning IN DELIVERING THE LSC’S AGENDASue Rigby NLN Development Manager Learning & Skills Council June 12th 2003

2. e-learning An approach to learning delivery in which a substantial part of the learning resources used is made available to the learner via a computer, television or other electronic communications device, or these in any combination with printed materials. What is e-Learning? This is commonly described as ‘blended learning’

3. LSC Corporate Plan – vision • to raise participation and attainment, through high-quality education and training. • by 2010, young people and adults in England will have knowledge and productive skills matching the best in the world. LSC Corporate Plan

4. Our key targets • Increase the proportion of 16 year olds staying on in education and achieving level 2 • Improve the skills of the workforce • Raise the quality of provision • Increase the demand for learning

5. Why is e-learning important to LSC? • The government agenda is that the Information Age must benefit the many – not just the few • e-learning enables people to: • Acquire knowledge and develop skills • Develop confidence and self esteem • Pursue leisure interests and opportunities • Publish and broadcast their opinions and ideas • Support and develop small businesses • Be empowered to campaign and participate in the democraticprocess

6. What is the significance of e-learning for education? • The information age has the potential to transform education • Move from formal and passive learning to more interactive learning • Attitudes to learning are often influenced by previous experiences of academic success or failure • People need supported access to the technology, sufficient skills and the motivation to take charge of their own personal development

7. National Learning Network Support Working Together, Moving Forward Becta Managing agency for NLN, NLN Materials development ILT Champions NLN website Ferl UKERNA JANET connections network related issues Technical training Information services LSC Policy, Strategy Funding Liaison with DfES UfI/learndirect, funding bodies, UK Online JISC JISC Committees Regional Support Centres JISC Content JISC Services LSDA Research activities FENTO ILT Standards development Staff development activities Conference support Senior Management Training NILTA Membership FENTO ILT Standards NILTA Committees Support for Local LSCs Liaison with UfI and AOC

8. National Learning Network (NLN) 1999-2002 • All FE & 6th Form colleges connected to Joint Academic Network • Access to services previously only available to HE • 1000 hours of quality online learning materials • Regional Support Centres set up • College ILT strategies • ILT Champions • Targets set for ratios (and nearly achieved) : • PCs : teaching staff 1:1 • PCs : students 1:5

9. NLN Strategic Framework 2002-5 – Vision • Barriers to access to lifelong learning will be progressively removed • All education professionals will be routinely using 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

10. In 5 years we look to establish a fully connected learning community Learning materials Infrastructure Learning systems and data NILTA RSCs Becta/Ferl LSDA UKERNA JISC First class support services Enthusiastic well trained staff Best practice

11. Policy context: Many responses • 55 e-initiatives known to/sponsored by DfES • National Grid for Learning • National Learning Network • Curriculum on-line • Learndirect/Ufi • UK online • UK e-university • Corporate “e-universities” • CISCO academies

12. Where does ICT fit in with wider developments? Joint Get on with IT Implementation recommendations Group DELG Recommendations Success for All Skills Strategy & Review of Funding Adult Learning SARs

13. DfES/LSC Joint Implementation Group • Success for All • DfES Get on with IT Report • LSC DELG Report recommendations LSC/DfES Joint Implementation Group to produce Plan - June 2003

14. JIG Recommendations • Infrastructure: • Extend infrastructure throughout post-16 • Local, regional and national support structures • Content: • Developed through ‘NLN Online’. Pilot work via National Learning Network being evaluated • Common national specifications and materials development standards • Online assessment • ICT as skill for life • Competency standards and staff development design • NLN national staff development framework • Work with new Standards Unit on qualifications

15. Challenges of Specialist Colleges How can we build quickly upon that which works and is valuable to the enlarged community? • Specialist Colleges Implementation Plan has been constructed around the key areas of: • Infrastructure • Content • Skills and support

16. The Prize To give learners of all ages e-learning of the highest calibre to support their lives, extend their choices, enrich their competencies and strengthen their autonomy at home, at work and in the community Chairman’s Introduction – Report of the Distributed and Electronic Learning Group of the LSC – Sept 2002

17. Contacts Jackie Marsh NLN Development Officer jackie.marsh@lsc.gov.uk Tel 0247682 3405 Sue Rigby NLN Development Manager sue.rigby@lsc.gov.uk Tel 0247682 3351