Study of MLE activity
Background and content
JISC’s Managed Learning Environments (MLEs) Lifelong Learning programme is
looking at Building MLEs across FE and HE and has funded several major
projects to explore the issues related to developing learning environments
to support the seamless movement of the learner between and across sectors
and institutions.
This study has been undertaken to develop a more coherent picture of the
level of MLE activity in the UK Further and Higher Education sector outside
the JISC-funded programmes.
The research
This Study was commissioned by the JISC and UCISA in August 2002 from
a consortium of research organisations led by the Social Informatics
Research Unit at the University of Brighton. The research methods
adopted were an extensive literature and web review, consultation with key
informants throughout the sector, a national survey of all FE and HE
institutions attracting a 51% response, and a series of in-depth case
studies.
Overview
The survey found significant levels of MLE development activity
across all institutions. Over 70% of institutions in the sector are
currently engaged in some kind of MLE development activity. 83% of
the responding institutions, however, report that they currently use some
kind of virtual learning environment (VLE) and 44% of the respondent
institutions report that they already have an institutional portal.
The two most common strategic models for managing MLE development
within the institution are now ‘predominantly centrally managed activity’
(40% of responding institutions); and an institution-wide initiative with
responsibilities devolved to departments and units within the institution
(27%). This indicates a significant move towards more strategic
developments, shaped by institutional and policies and sectoral-wide
initiatives. Further details of this extensive study are
available in the final report below completed in August 2003.
Project Final Report and Case
Studies
