As more and more people are using computers and the Internet for a whole host of different life tasks – such as shopping, banking and booking holidays - the National Institute of Adult Continuing Education (NIACE) is conducting a research project to find out how effective learning online is.
With over 3000 courses now available to study online - in subjects as diverse as languages, IT and fork lift truck driving – this form of learning is often seen as convenient for learners and, as such, it is anticipated to become ever more popular. However NIACE is keen to hear about the experiences – good and bad - of learners who have chosen to study online, so future learners can benefit.
Lisa Englebright, Researcher, ICT and Learning Team, NIACE, said, “This is the first generation of learners who have studied online. For NIACE it’s both interesting and important to find out what the benefits are and what the drawbacks have been. We’re keen to get an accurate picture of how effective or ineffective online learning has been for adults. We want to hear your stories whether they’re positive or negative.
Perhaps your online course led to a better job or a new career? Or perhaps you couldn’t complete your course because it wasn’t suitable or you didn’t have the time or suitable computer hardware to commit to it fully. Whatever your experience, we want to hear from you to help with our research.”
She continued, “Once we’ve got our findings, we hope to be able to increase the understanding of providers and decision makers about online learning. This will ensure that steps are taking to improve on what’s available and help more learners to take advantage of the flexibility of learning in this way. If you’re interested in taking part in this research please call my colleague Ian Pettit on 0116 204 6986 or email him at ian.pettit@niace.org.uk”
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Media Contacts
Ed Melia, NIACE Press Officer on tel: 0116 204 4248 or 07795 358 870
Ian Pettit, Administrator for the Overcoming Social Exclusion through Online Learning Project, on 0116 204 6986 or email ian.pettit@niace.org.uk
Notes to Editors
- The National Institute of Adult Continuing Education (NIACE) is the leading non-government organisation for lifelong learning and exists to encourage more and different adults to engage in learning of all kinds and campaigns for, and celebrates the achievements of, all adult learners.
- To take part in the NIACE Online Learning Survey please contact Ian Pettit in one of the following ways:
Post - Ian Pettit, Administrator for the Overcoming Social Exclusion through Online Learning Project,
NIACE Enkalon House,
92 Regent Road,
Leicester,
LE1 7PE
Tel - 0116 204 6986
Email – ian.pettit@niace.org.uk
Online - http://www.niace.org.uk/online - A copy of the questionnaire used in this survey can be viewed at: http://www.niace.org.uk/online
- The ICT and Learning Team at NIACE believe that while ICT has the potential to overcome many of the barriers which people who are socially and economically disadvantaged face in accessing education and training. However, this assumes that; people have access to ICT; people are competent users of ICT; and there are high quality learning materials and support systems available. NIACE is working with our partners in all these areas through research development, consultancy and dissemination activities.
