Lewisham College first began its strategy for the adoption of learning technologies in 1996-7 when it launched a resource-based learning initiative. The imperatives driving that first initiative were to:- 'promote effective development of the college's learning centres'
- 'promote independent learning skills which prepare students for the world of work and/or HE'
- 'address reductions in teaching hourages arising from changes in benefit regulations.'
In June 2000, Lewisham College produced its first ILT strategy document1. The strategy for Information and Learning Technologies (hereafter called e-learning or ILT) is set within and informed by the college's broader strategy of development and service to its constituency. As noted above, this broader strategy called Promising Prospects - Lewisham College's Strategic Plan 1997-2002 was concerned to meet the needs of existing and potential learners. One of its principal platforms was to 'promote ILT to enhance access to and delivery of learning.'
The 2000 strategy added that ILT was the key to:- 'extending access to learning'
- 'supporting the College's inclusive learning action plan'
- 'ensuring the quality of vocational areas through the use of industry standard technologies'.
In June 2000, the college had a centre of excellence in Computing and IT (CIT) provision, a ratio of 6:1 FTE students to computers, an adult college to outreach learning provision to excluded parts of the community and was focused on ensuring that all teaching staff had access to computers. ICTs were deployed to some extent in planning and registry functions, HR and Development, Property and Facilities and Finance systems.
The proposals of 2000 described the Ccllege's strategy and vision for the future, assigned roles and responsibilities and identified strategic alliances. It also looked to the future - beyond 2002.
This vision stated that:- 'Every student will have access to computers with facilities to develop IT literacy skills and complete assignments
- These computers to be connected to a College wide network offering learning materials, the Internet and direct contact with lecturers.
- The Internet and video-conferencing will offer distance learning to students in the workplace at home overseas and in public access areas such as libraries
- We will be offering multimedia courses on the most up to date technology such as multimedia design'.
In September 2003, Lewisham College recruited to several newly created posts: a Head of e-learning, an eResources manager, an eResources officer and a Staff Development Manager. The impact of these new posts and individuals on the strategy is likely to be significant.
This case study reflects e-learning activity at Lewisham College up to and including the academic year 2002/03...continue to technology integration into every student's experience
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