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Using Learning Technology to Extend the Reach & Enhance the Experience of Higher Education & Professional Training 

Delivering Education that WorksIn 2004 the Open Training College were offering diploma and degree level distance learning programmes to disability and social care professionals. These combined a mixture of workshop and print-based self study materials. From a strategic point of view the college wanted to extend its reach. This involved increasing:

 

  • The range of courses on offer
  • Student numbers
  • The level of service it provided to students

At the heart of this was a desire to create true communities of practice. These would allow students build learning communities that bridge the gap between learning and professional practice. In so doing they would improve the quality of both. As part of this, we were engaged to provide consultancy, development and support services for the technology enhanced learning iniatives.

In 2004 eLearning merited a single line in the college's strategic plan. In 2007 the college is now a leader in the use of technology to enhance and support learning. They are:

  • Using Moodle to deliver an extensive set of learning materials and resources
  • Actively building communities of practice among students and practitioners using a range of technologies
  • Utilising social technologies, such as podcasting and forums for example, to enhance the quality of learning their deliver to students
  • Increasing the amount of learning technology they provide to staff and students

Delivering Education to the Social Care SectorStaff and students have actively bought into the use of learning technologies. At this point in time, we are helping the college define its overall strategy for the next five years. Technology enhanced learning will be central to that. It will deliver:

  • An enhanced learning experience for students
  • Greater instructional capabilities to staff
  • To the college the ability to grow internationally

The college has recently begun providing courses to organisations and students in other countries. This has been made possible by the use of learning technologies and the communications services we have provided.

If you wish to learn more about how learning technologies can be used to effectively improve educational performance, please contact us.