NIACE surveys to measure impact of technology in learning Wednesday, November 12, 2008 - 14:22

Recent regular advances in technology have had a huge impact on adult learning, however not all providers are making the best use of technology. To help gain a clearer picture on the use of technology in learning - and support the government's Harnessing Technology strategy - NIACE (National Institute of Adult Continuing Education) will be carrying out surveys on behalf of Becta, who will publish the findings in March 2009.

The surveys will help measure how ready organisations are to give clear, individual and technologically improved learning solutions to the learner (this is known as e-maturity). NIACE has played an active role in encouraging learning providers to assess their own levels of e-maturity since 2006 and hopes that this new research will help providers understand and make better use of technology in support of learning.

Patsy Quinn, Programme Manager for NIACE, said:

"We are pleased to be undertaking this work for Becta and by carrying out surveys of e-maturity over several years, it should then be possible to identify trends which could help support those providers who face the greatest challenges achieving e-maturity. Surveys are being piloted at the moment with a view to start the full surveys by the end of November. It's important that the final survey results reflect a wide cross section of providers, so NIACE encourages all providers to complete the survey."

She continued,

"Our success in gaining these contracts follows NIACE's key role over the last five years as the managing agent for the Learning and Skills Council's (LSC) national e-learning programmes for adult and community learning and for the offender learning and skills service (OLASS) in prisons and the community."