The World of Learning Conference and Exhibition will kick off with an outline of the Government's 10-year vision for e-learning.

The head of e-learning strategy for the Department for Education and Skills Prof Diana Laurillard believes that despite its benefits, e-learning remains misunderstood, expensive and out of reach for many.

'E-learning gives the learner the choice of what, where and how they learn. It will probably take us a generation to think it through.

'A cultural shift is taking place and strategy is needed. First we need to understand what the vision is, and then the steps needed to achieve it.'

The consultation document Towards a Unified e-learning Strategy encompasses education as well as work and community-based training and is aimed at identifying key areas of action around e-learning.

Around 4,000 people are expected at WOLCE, which takes place on Tuesday and Wednesday, 18 and 19 November at the NEC Birmingham.

Speakers include Terry Devoil, Head of the Metropolitan Police Service’s Diversity Training initiatives who will be talking about changing the culture in the Met, as well as organisations including AstraZeneca, Coors Brewers, Dixons Group, Panasonic UK and SCOPE.