Background to the e-learning consultation
E-learning is the use of information and communication technologies, including the internet and worldwide web, to improve and support teaching, training and learning. Everyone involved in social care - practitioners at all levels, employers, training providers, service users and carers - can potentially benefit from e-learning. It will play an increasingly important role in the future of social care.
In autumn 2003, the Department of Health (DH) asked the Social Care Institute for Excellence (SCIE) to develop the use of e-learning in social care. As part of this work, SCIE and TopssEngland recently consulted on a sector-wide development strategy. The consultation ended on 31 January. The results of the consultation are due mid-2005.
We hope this consultation will contribute to our understanding of sector-wide requirements and responsibilities for e-learning planning and implementation. We also hope to understand better how the social care sector can link with others, including organisations in the health, education, training, skills and workforce development sectors.
The social care e-learning strategy which will be developed out of the results of this consultation is one part of a wider approach to improving learning, knowledge and skills in social care. It will contribute to the new TopssEngland National Workforce Development Strategy for Social Care 2005-2008.
Summary of consultation paper
The consultation paper introduces the key concepts of e-learning, and includes a brief background about the social care sector, including both the opportunities for e-learning and the limitations and constraints. We have examined the strategic context for e-learning, and identified key stakeholders and partners in its implementation.
The main principles of e-learning in social care, including SCIE's aims for open access, usability, quality assurance, sustainability and a values-led approach, are introduced.
The paper focuses on five key 'action areas' that are crucial to an effective e-learning strategy:
- the 'kit' - infrastructure, including hardware and internet access
- the 'know-how' - skills development for both learners and educators, to embed e-learning in learning and teaching
- the 'subject materials' - learning content development, including online resources, courses and other materials
- the 'technical systems' - delivery platforms and learning systems
- the 'organisational systems' - the structures, partnerships and resources needed within and between organisations to enable the full exploitation of e-learning's potential.
The document explains any potentially unfamiliar terms and incorporated an extensive glossary. We have also presented a number of 'scenarios' showing how e-learning can benefit a variety of people in social care, including, for example, carers, social work students, social work lecturers, user-trainers, unqualified social care staff, vocational training assessors and service managers.
It then outlines our draft action plans for e-learning for work-based learning, vocational training, further education (FE) and higher education (HE).
Consultation audiences and process
We hope this consultation stage of SCIE e-learning work will be of interest to:
- individuals and organisations representing social care staff at all levels and in all specialisms
- social care employers and managers (statutory, voluntary and private sector) and their organisations
- education and training providers with an interest in social care (higher education and further education institutions, as well as statutory, voluntary and private vocational training providers)
- social care service users and their organisations
- health sector learning organisations
- workforce training and development organisations
- other individuals or organisations with a stake or interest in the development of the social care workforce or in e-learning.
Printed copies of the paper and questionnaire are available from:
SCIE publications
tel: 020 7089 6840
e-mail: publications@scie.org.uk.
