Overcoming social exclusion through online learning

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What is this project?

The project "Overcoming social exclusion through online learning" is being funded by the Community Fund for the period 2002 - 2005.

The project will investigate the potential of online learning to overcome some of the barriers that socially or economically disadvantaged adults encounter to access learning. Online learning is a very new development in education and has been identified by the Government and many educational practitioners as having the potential to overcome social exclusion.

Why is this project important?

The Government has recognised that education is the key to overcoming social exclusion. There are many research studies that indicate that learning can improve health, community participation, parenting, family life and economic and social life (Haggart, 2000; Aldridge and Lavender, 2000; Department of Health, 2000; Cabinet Office, 2000). However, the national education and training system is not addressing the needs of socially disadvantaged people (The Policy Action Team's report, 2000). Online Learning is a new approach which may be able to address the problems that the traditional education system presents.

What are the main aims of the project?

This project will investigate the potential of online learning to overcome social exclusion through a comparison of different approaches. It will consider access (comparing home and public access), ICT competency, design of the online course, different models of online learning delivery, retention, learning skills and learning support (e.g. Tutors, learning centre staff and family and friends). This will enable the project to identify the factors that influence participation, drop out and successful completion in relation to learners who are socially or economically disadvantaged in particular focussing on older learners, young people, disabled adults and black and ethnic minority groups