WIREDGOV

Lifelong Learning UK is publishing the results of our investigation into how technology is changing teaching and learning. We have been speaking to practitioners and commissioning academic research in order to create a comprehensive picture of ICT use across the wider further education sector. The findings of this work include some practical advice for sector employers who can use it to support their staff to develop skills in using technology for learning.

Technology is changing our learning institutions but not everyone is using it to its full potential. A survey by the National Union of Students showed that 42.9% of students would like academics and teachers to make more use of technology.

We commissioned Pontydysgu to undertake the literature review and research report on the use of technology in the further education sector to ensure our qualification development for teachers, tutors and trainers is as up-to-date as possible.  The findings will benefit everyone in the lifelong learning sector because we are all grappling with technological change. You can access the findings in four ways:

1. A two-minute video
2. A ten-minute presentation (which includes recommendations)
3. A presentation summarising the literature review in 30 quotations
4. The full literature review.

As a result of this research Lifelong Learning UK are working with the Association for Learning Technology to produce a website resource that will point teachers, tutors and trainers to ‘tried and tested’ technologies for use in learning. This resource will be a one-stop-shop for anyone who wants to get up to speed with technologies that have a genuine impact on learning and will be available from March 2011.

The research outlines the barriers professionals face in using technology in teaching and learning, evidences their need for support and training and demonstrates the value of informal conversations to support peer learning.  Sue Dutton, Interim Chief Executive of Lifelong Learning UK commented:

“The simplest thing you can do to help your staff use technology more effectively for learning is to give them the opportunity on a regular basis to talk for about 30 minutes with colleagues (particularly in the same curriculum area) about technologies they are using and what works and doesn’t work – peer to peer support is shown in our research to be far more effective than formal training.”