E-training in north Wales

To investigate resource issues and to put forward a number of alternative models for the possible development of the Partnership.

This research was commissioned by the former National Council for Education and Training for Wales (ELWa) to explore the feasibility of establishing a formalised e-training consortium of Post-16 providers in North Wales – in the context of the existing e-Training Network of FEIs and HEIs.

Context

The Wales e-Learning strategy2 defines e-learning as 'The use of electronic technology to support, enhance or deliver learning'.

Its objectives include:

• creating a national integrated e-learning network
• providing a high quality delivery infrastructure
• enabling the local construction, or national procurement of, high quality elearning programmes.

Approaches in both England and Scotland favour the development of blended learning as the most effective approach to the implementation of e-learning – supporting traditional teaching methods rather than transforming current colleges or universities into exclusively on-line institutions.

The majority of existing projects involve collaboration in the distribution of information and there are currently relatively few examples of collaboration on content and curriculum.

The existing North Wales E-Training Network (NWETN), was formed in July 2003, funded through the Knowledge Exploitation Fund (KEF). In October 2003, the NWETN submitted a bid for further KEF support to further develop activities. However, delays in processing the KEF application resulted in a loss of momentum for the Partnership.

Findings from fieldwork

The fieldwork consisted of qualitative interviews with providers and stakeholders in the region.