How to Create Regional e-Learning Networks (2008)

REVIEW: CHAPTER 5How to create regional e-learning networks

About: Wolfgang Greller

Head of Learning Environments (UHI) Chair of the Arctic Learning Environment

(UArctic) Head of e-Learning (AAU – Klagenfurt) Programme Manager Learning Networks

(OUNL)

The Chapter

Intro to regional learning networks Classification of target groups Role of e-learning in networks Dimensions of (e-)learning networks Technologies VCSE partner networks „Case studies“ of learning networks Recommendation & reflection

Comments

Questions need answers (e.g. chapter title) Target groups follow traditional divisions

(school, HE, business, „other“) What are the drivers ? What are the enablers/factors for success ? Differentiation between self-organised and

managed LNs What makes a regional LN? Who has

ownership?

Target Groups

Target groups in regional thinking less articulate

Boundaries between business, politics, education, society are more blurred than on national level

Regional networks work across boundaries – away from traditional divisions

Greater need for collaboration between sectors „Other“ category is weak (should incl.

Government, voluntary sector, NGOs, personal networks)

Ownership

Target groups = external ownershipRegional networks consist of stakeholders =

internal participatory ownershipClear strategic goals: education is a means to

an end not an aim in itself. Therefore authorities, all levels of edu, and business need to be involved.

Lifelong learning: in regional networks there is room for better articulation routes between education sectors (multi-functionality of institutions)

Technologies

Listing technologies is not useful (state-of-the-art changes, dependent on regional factors)

Classification of technologies is largely irrelevant: more important is the purpose

Important to elaborate the benefits to the stakeholders!

The amount of technologies vs. the right technologies

Technology enables! Different e-readiness of orgs

Net ready

Hartman & Sifonis, 2000

Learning Technology

University of the Highlands and Islands

Regional networked university based on FE Colleges, research and specialist institutions

Motto: „Enabled by technology – supported by people“!

Mission to overcome skill shortage and depopulation

Niche education market (Gaelic, renewables, tourism, rural health) – addresses local needs!

Symbiosis with businesses (CPD), local Gov, education, health sector, local orgs, individuals (mature, maternity, etc)

University of the Arctic Network of Learning

Institutions, Northern Organisations, Libraries etc.

Motto: „in the North, for the North, by the North“

Overcome circumpolar problems (South-North poverty division, transportation, access to services, environment, telemedicine)

Capacity building, combatting brain-drain, access to (learning) resources

Intermediary between national government & regional stakeholders (needs research)

Knowledge creation/articulation Knowledge creation increasingly outside

universities (e.g. corporate research, NGOs, Communities of Practice worldwide)

More knowledge acquisition (learning) outside education (lifelong learning, non-formal & informal learning, on-demand learning)

Education has greater demand to bring real-life expertise into teaching and learning (work placements, field trips, guest lectures, LNs)

Drivers behind regional LNs

Drivers: e.g. regional development goals: Capacity building (economic viability of the

region) Telemedicine Service provision (incl. education, CPD, access

to experts) Business needs (e.g. transportation costs,

teleworking) Population needs (e.g. lifestyle, equality of

citizenship) Cross-sector collaboration

Drivers for success

Participation in regional LN, why? Purpose: Communities of Interest, variety of

LNs on different levels Benefit: access to shared

resources/expertise; cost-benefit ratio critical (cost = effort); critical mass may play a role

Business case: needs to sit within strategy Commonality: common interests, niche

market, population needs