European Distance and e-Learning Network 2004 Annual Conference Development of learndirect/UK online in the UK Dr Ann Limb, Chief Executive, Ufi

1997 Labour Party manifesto pledge: “Our new University for Industry, collaborating with the Open University, will bring new opportunities to adults seeking to develop their potential. This will bring government, industry and education together to create a new resource whose remit will be to use new technology to enhance skills and education. The University for Industry will be a public-private partnership, commissioning software and developing the links to extend lifelong learning.”

What is Ufi? Launched in 1998 to bring about the government’s vision of a ‘University for Industry’. A public-private partnership in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. 11 regional / national offices.

Ufi’s Mission To boost individuals’ employability and organisations’ competitiveness by: inspiring existing learners to develop their skills winning over new and excluded learners transforming the accessibility of learning in everyday life and work.

Ufi’s Vision Ufi’s vision is for learndirect/UK online to be: a household name for e-learning and e-services for all citizens a high-street brand recognised by consumers for e- learning and e-services information and advice an effective e-solution for the UK workforce and businesses a UK export with global significance in which all partners can take pride and credit.

2000 centres = local and individualised electronic service delivery increased opportunities for e-government services for all – at home, in the community, in the workplace = National infrastructure = ‘there is no initiative comparable to learndirect in terms of scale and ambition anywhere in the world’ (Benchmarking learndirect: report to DfES by GHK Consulting Ltd, Sep 2002)

learndirect: two services learndirect : the national learning advice service – dedicated advice – over 500,000 courses – all providers learndirect: the nationwide network of fully supported learning centres – 250+ learndirect courses – online

ICT User level Professional level Business & Management Sector specific Skills for Life learndirect course portfolio

UK online 6,000 centres across England 41% located in public libraries 25% located in FE college based venues 7% run by private training providers 27% located in voluntary and community organisations

UK online Access to ICT e-learning e-services

UK online → Directgov Access to a range of public information services Information is grouped around target audiences and topics

Since April 2000 learndirect learners1.2 m learndirect course take-ups2.6 m learndirect national learning advice line6.0 m learndirect web sessions11.0 m Successes to date…

The OECD report on Career Guidance and Public Policy states that ‘ICT … call centre technology and helplines have significant potential to widen access to career guidance, but are under-utilised in most OECD countries’. It describes the learndirect Information and Advice Service as ‘a highly innovative approach’ … ‘its methods of operation are strikingly different to traditional methods’. OECD Education Committee Report, Career Guidance and Public Policy (October 2003)

“Throughout adult life, new opportunities through learndirect to learn more – a language, new skills – every individual the chance to fulfil their potential.” Tony Blair PM, October 2003

Ufi has a role in the Skills Alliance as a key delivery partner focus on workforce development and meeting employers’ needs strengthening support for individual learners, with better information and advice to return to learning focus on the role of sector hubs strengthening regional skills partnerships focus on Level 2 qualifications – mapping learndirect courses to level 2 qualifications ICT as a third Skill for Life. The Government’s Skills Strategy

Aim: to embed e-learning in all teaching and learning Ufi can contribute in the following areas: training the education workforce, in particular online tutors e-assessment – through the development of online tests providing coherent pathways for learners across all sectors – through strategic collaboration with Becta and UKeU innovation – recent content development stimulating the e-learning market – promoting the benefits of e-learning. The Government’s e-learning strategy

e-learning Makes learning accessible, attractive and relevant to a wide range of people. Appeals to the reluctant learner as an alternative. Does not evoke memories of school/classroom experience. Offers choice to learners.

Characteristics of e-learning Flexible Self-directed Highly individualised Interactive ‘Edutainment’ Example – Maxtrax, flash based internet deliverable fun

Physical access to technologies 59% of UK homes have a PC 50% of homes (around 12.5 million) have Internet access ICT ‘literacy’ Lack of connectivity 12% UK households have broadband Customer ‘mindset’ and expectations Fears of lack of social interaction Misconception that “e” excludes support. Source: The Ofcom Internet and Broadband Update (January 2004) Barriers to e-learning

Widening Participation 63% new to adult learning 26% do not already hold any qualifications 45% say they would not have learned without learndirect 78% learners plan further learning 96% would recommend learndirect to friends

Our Learners

“History will record it as being one of the most exciting and ambitious projects that we’ve ever seen.” Ivan Lewis MP, November 2002

learndirect and UK online making the difference for the mass market individualised convenient instantly applicable learning which is for work, for life, for everyone, everywhere