Learning directly learning research at Ufi Ltd Dr

Learning directly: learning research at Ufi Ltd Dr Lindsey Bagley Head of Learning Research & Development November 2002

Presentation structure: • learndirect • types of research • rationale for learning research • projects and outcomes

Key features of learndirect: • accessibility and flexibility - anytime, anywhere and at own pace • just-in-time training - disaggregated content targeted on specific needs • a learning community - expert support and mentoring plus collaboration

Mission 2000 - 2003 To boost individual’s 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

Key targets By 2004/05: • 1, 000 learndirect learners annually • 70, 000 companies using learndirect annually

Achievements so far In two years learndirect has become UK’s largest learning service : • more than 1, 800 learndirect learning centres • franchise community of 5, 000 • more than 700 courses • 10, 000 indicative learning hours

Learners • female 57% male 43% • • • under 30 years 30 -39 40 -49 50 -59 60+ 23. 1% 25. 3% 21. 3% 16. 2% 14. 1%

Research at Ufi • Market research • ICT • learning

Rationale for learning research • To ensure the organisation is meeting its pledge to learners • To offer an evidence-based e-learning model through action research

Research projects • Learning design • Skills for Life • Learning support

Learning design research Piloting software - • Qual - IT (UCN) • Learner choice - courses, ‘takeways’

Skills for Life research • ICT and learners with Skills for Life needs • Games software • Specific products

Learning support research • Learner pledge - learner survey and more focused research • learner - tutor support model • learndirect organiser

learndirect organiser • planning, reflection and support tool • prototype researched and tested • integration into LSE • full evaluation (April - August 2003)

Outcomes of learning research • capture of data from key players in learning model (learners, tutors, employers, partners) • evidence to improve learning model • inform debate and practice of e-learning as ‘thought leader’

Any questions? Dr Lindsey Bagley Head of Learning Research & Development lbagley@ufi. com 0114 291 5304