Each month Dr Andrew Dean of the Marchmont Observatory summarises the research, reports and publications that are shaping the field of learning. October's round-up includes elearning from NASA, a report on how the voluntary sector can access Train to Gain and the impact of business involvement in education.
elearning from NASA
The Space Agency is making available a free Web-based educational product to learners of all ages across the country. NASA eClips consists of more than 55 short, 5-10 minute video segments, which are available on-demand via the Internet. NASA eClips features many of the Agency's missions and engages learners in the excitement of science and engineering. Check it out at: http://www.nasa.gov/education/nasaeclips
Acas workplace training impact survey 2008
This report describes the findings of the first survey investigating the impacts of Acas’ Workplace Training service on its customers. The survey was commissioned by the Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service (Acas) and undertaken by the Institute for Employment Studies (IES) and Employment Research Limited (ERL).
http://www.acas.org.uk/CHttpHandler.ashx?id=921&p=0
Innovation and ICT skills in Scotland: final report
The emphasis of this report is on the expert skills used to build software and computing applications and products. This also includes an increasing focus on business oriented skills within technology roles.
http://www.scotlandis.com/content_files/downloads/REP090908DM%20-%20SIS01%20Report%20Final%20new%20logo.pdf
Train to Gain and the Third Sector
The Learning and Skills Council have published Train to Gain and the Third Sector, which outlines how voluntary and community groups can use the scheme to access free training and development for their staff and volunteers.
http://readingroom.lsc.gov.uk/lsc/National/nat-traintogainandthethirdsector-jun08.pdf
The impact of business involvement in education
A small number of studies were identified that provided evidence of measurable improvements in grades and none that suggested a negative impact on attainment. The involvement of employers was also found to have a positive influence in terms of preparedness for work, developing job and work skills, improving work-based competencies, attitudes and behaviours, enhanced employability and higher initial wage rates.
http://www.dcsf.gov.uk/research/data/uploadfiles/DCSF-RW052.pdf
Continuing vocational training survey 2005
Large and useful report with lots of stats on vocational training. It includes both training courses (either internal courses designed and managed by the enterprise itself, or external courses designed and managed by another organisation), as well as other forms of CVT (including on-the-job training, job rotation, learning/quality circles, self-directed learning and attending conferences etc).
http://www.dcsf.gov.uk/research/data/uploadfiles/DIUS-RR-08-17.pdf
elearning in UK Higher Education
Summative report from a large-scale benchmarking process, covering work in 77 institutions over three years.
http://fm.schmoller.net/2008/09/e-learning-in-u.html
Do you know of research that should appear here? Send your information, research and links to Dr Andrew Dean at a.dean@exeter.ac.uk
