Home > News > March 2005 > 17-Mar-2005

Government publishes e-learning strategy

Plans to exploit technology to personalise education were published yesterday by the Schools Minister, Derek Twigg.

‘Harnessing Technology: Transforming Learning and Children’s Services’, sets out the government’s approach to utilising technology across the education system. The plans are designed to enable schools, colleges, universities and adult and community learning organisations to tailor education around the particular needs of their learners.

In her foreword, Secretary of State for Education, Ruth Kelly said: "the effective use of interactive technologies is absolutely crucial and I am determined that we grasp them."

The e-Learning Strategy sets out plans designed to:

• enhance ICT services available to schools with every school having broadband access by 2006

• encourage schools to use their online networks to provide parents with more information about their child’s performance and promote greater parental involvement

• use Internet channels to give teachers parents and learners greater access to information, advice and guidance

• encourage institutions to offer every learner their own online learning space to store coursework, course resources, results and achievements

• help engage ‘hard to reach’ learners, with special needs support, more motivating ways of learning, and more choice about how and where to learn.

Derek Twigg said: "Imaginative use of ICT will open up a new world of possibilities in education. Digital technology is already changing how we do business and live our lives, we need to embrace this revolution within the education sector.

"Over time we should see technology joined up so that we can boost performance and standards across education. Already, online information services are opening up real possibilities to keep parents far more engaged with what their children are doing, and give them the ability to work with schools on how they are progressing.

"For teachers, lecturers and tutors it means greater access to good quality ICT resources, more efficient ways of keeping in touch and giving feedback on students’ progress. Technology is the key to personalised learning and putting learner’s needs at the heart of education."

Owen Lynch, Chief Executive of Becta said: "Becta welcomes the publication of the e-strategy; clearly the organisation has a key responsibility to ensure its success. We will work closely with the JISC and other partners to make sure it is effectively implemented and developed."

External link

Harnessing Technology: Transforming Learning and Children’s Services can be found on the DFES website: www.dfes.gov.uk/publications/e-strategy/

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