When first selected in early 2003, it was anticipated that the first module of the Learning for Living resources would be technically complete and ready for piloting in early 2004. The programme is planned for full rollout in Autumn 2004. The decision was taken in the late summer of 2003 to go ahead with the pilot on the expectation that the content of the first module and the supporting tutoring technology functionality would be sufficiently developed to support a pilot. Given the time lapse between the pilot and full rollout, it was anticipated that the pilot would provide useful information and feedback into the final cycles of testing and validation.
The Learning for Living resources had been tested at various levels of development through 2003 and 2004. The ICCA pilot was to be delivered to carers recruited by Lewisham Carers and registered with Lewisham College, and actually took place over four weeks in February and March 2004. Lewisham College had many years of experience of working with technology and, since autumn 2003, it has had a dedicated e-learning department. The scenario tested in the pilot (delivery in association with a college of Further Education) also offered an opportunity to explore how technologies might provide an established educational institution (Lewisham College) with an opportunity to 'stretch the mold'3 in terms of supporting learners in the community. For more information on Lewisham College and its experience in e-learning, see the Lewisham College case study.
Discussions between the pilot team members ascertained that there was no tutor with the relevant knowledge available from the Lewisham College staff to support the pilot learners. However, Lewisham Carers had available an ICT trainer who was familiar with the learning and developmental needs of unpaid carers. A good practice guide for Learning for Living tutors was drafted at this time to create a baseline for tutor development.
Diagram 1
Six months in advance of the pilot, it was agreed that the pilot group would be tutored by the Lewisham Carers' centre tutor, who would be given induction and support in development of relevant knowledge and competences by a member of Lewisham College's e-learning team, together with a member of the City & Guilds Learning for Living team. These three would from here onwards form the core team that directly conducted the pilot.
...continue to preparing for the pilot
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