JISC

A new publication which highlights a collaborative model for e-learning has been launched by JISC infoNet. Exploring the findings of the CAMEL project - Collaborative Approaches to the Management of E-Learning - a one-year pilot project led by JISC infoNet in partnership with ALT (Association for Learning Technology) and the Higher Education Academy, the publication explores how institutions which are making good use of e-learning and collaborating in regional lifelong learning partnerships might be able to learn from each other. '...participants take it in turns to organise and host a visit to their organisation that allows them to showcase and share in a trusting environment with the participants acting as critical friends.'

Partners from HE and FE were involved in the project, learning from one another about their experiences of e-learning. However, project participants found, one of the most interesting aspects of their work has been the model itself. As one participant commented: 'It's all about the practice, warts and all - and the warts are more interesting than the practice sometimes!'

Jacquie Kelly from JISC infoNet suggests that the CAMEL model could have widespread application for many types of people wanting to share experience and learn from each other. 'The CAMEL model is based on a Uruguayan farmers' model,' she says. 'It's based on the principle that people who have an interest, even a passion, for a particular topic and who wish to learn more by sharing knowledge, practices and ideas agree to hold a series of study visits.

More details on this can be found in the publication, but basically participants take it in turns to organise and host a visit to their organisation that allows them to showcase and share in a trusting environment with the participants acting as critical friends.'

As well as the publication, a CD-ROM toolkit, available later in November, is also being produced for anybody wanting to start up this kind of network. Copies of the publication (and pre-orders for the forthcoming CD-ROM) can be requested free of charge from JISC infoNet publications.

JISC infoNet will also be promoting the resources at upcoming conferences with the next opportunity at the AoC Conference in Birmingham (21-23 November) where delegates can find out more about the CAMEL project even try their hand at making an origami camel (see picture left)!