Home > News > January 2004 > 21-Jan-2004

NLN launches e-learning standards guide

A new reference document designed to raise the standard of e-learning developments was launched at this year's BETT conference, the annual educational technology show.

The document, 'Paving the way to excellence in e-learning', has been produced by the National Learning Network (NLN) Materials Team which is responsible for commissioning and managing the production of hundreds of hours of e-learning materials that are delivered free to the learning and skills sector. The team is based at Becta (the British Educational Technology Agency), which manages the NLN materials development programme.

'Paving the way to excellence in e-learning' shares the procedures that the team follow, and the guidelines that they issue to suppliers to ensure that the materials commissioned for the NLN are of the highest quality possible. The guidelines aim to ensure that suppliers and local developers of e-learning materials have a framework to work within, and that the NLN materials comply with international technical standards.

The document covers important issues such as pedagogy, accessibility (both design and technical requirements), technical standards and quality assurance. It also contains information about the implementation and dissemination activities carried out by the team to integrate the NLN materials into the learning and skills sector, including support offered to educators and technical staff.

The document was officially launched by Frank McLoughlin, Chair of the NLN's Content and Curriculum Working Group and Principal of City and Islington College. Frank was joined by Lorna Cocking in cutting the 'Paving the way' celebration cake. Lorna is Head of Education, Pearsons Broadband Education and a senior member of the Becta Board.

In his closing speech, Frank McLoughlin said "The National Learning Network materials development programme at Becta is leading the way in e-learning content. When you look at the standards set out in 'Paving the way to excellence in e-learning' the reasons why are obvious. By paying such attention to detail at every stage of the process, the NLN is ensuring that the materials it delivers are associated with quality, and that they set a benchmark for all other e-learning content.

"Through 'Paving the way' we are sharing a set of standards that others can follow to create their own high-quality learning content that is of benefit to commercial developers and educators alike, but most importantly to the learner."

The official launch was preceded by a multimedia presentation involving developers, educators, learners, quality assessors and technical experts, who all gave their unique perspectives on the NLN materials. Developers spoke about meeting the design challenges faced by creating materials that are accessible to a wide range of students of differing abilities. Educators and learners described their experiences of using the materials in the classroom, and support staff explained how they gave face-to-face help and guidance to college technical staff and tutors.

'Paving the way to excellence in e-learning' has been distributed to all colleges in England, to commercial developers and is also available in PDF format from the NLN Materials website.

Please note: Training Reference is not responsible for the content of external Internet sites.

Related information

For related news, case studies, articles and research, visit our
e-learning home page

Books for training professionals

• Bookshop home page
• e-Learning books
• Blended learning books

Find e-learning providers

Visit the Training Reference Directory to view supplier details for a wide range of courses, products and services.

Sponsored links

Back to top