Learning Light
Second Floor, Gladstone Building,
1 St James Row, Sheffield, S1 2EU
Tel +44 (0)114 223 2442; Web www.learninglight.com
8th January 2007
Learning Light explores the future of e-learning at the Learning
Technolgies exhibition
Learning Light, a non-profit centre of excellence which highlights and
promotes best practice in the use of learning technologies in the
workplace, has examples of the latest games-playing technologies on its
stand at this year's Learning Technologies exhibition.
The future shape of e-learning delivery is the theme of Learning Light
(LL)'s stand at this year's Learning Technologies exhibition, which is
being held at London's Olympia, on 31st January and 1st February 2007.
On display at the LL stand will be examples of headsets, PlayStation
Portable (PSP) and - hopefully - a Wii or two, with which visitors to
the LL stand will be able to interact in order to explore how these new
technologies can be used to deliver e-learning materials.
"The PSP is a handheld game console released and manufactured by Sony
Computer Entertainment," explained Mark Pittaway, LL's CEO. "It was
officially unveiled on in May 2004 and the system was released in Japan
in December that year.
"The PSP allows users to play video games, watch videos, listen to
music, view images, as well as browse the internet - so it is a small
step to making these consoles deliver learning materials, especially
now that many developers are producing simulations and story-based
e-learning materials," he added.
Nintendo's video game console, the Wii (pronounced 'we'), was
previously known by its project code name of 'Revolution' and is the
successor to the Nintendo GameCube. In general terms, it competes with
other seventh generation games consoles, such as Microsoft's Xbox 360
and Sony's PlayStation 3.
"A distinguishing feature of the console is its wireless controller,
the Wii Remote, which can be used as a handheld pointing device and can
detect motion and rotation in three dimensions," said Pittaway.
"Notable among the console's internal features is WiiConnect24, which
enables it to receive messages and updates over the internet while
consuming little electrical power."
Announced in 2004, the Wii was launched in three markets in December
2006 - although it was soon recalled in the UK because of Nunchuck
cables. Pittaway commented: "Hopefully, these technical problems will
be overcome and we will be able to have at least one Wii on display -
and in use - on our stand at the Learning Technologies show."
Also available on the LL stand will be insights into LL's systematic
review of the e-learning industry, which LL has undertaken in
association with a team of researchers from the University of
Sheffield's Department of Information Studies, headed by Dr Miguel
Nunes. The research received support from the Skills for Business
Network (SfBN) work based e-learning project, which shares a focus on
understanding employer demand for e-learning.
Pittaway explained: "The purpose of the systematic review is to map the
research that has taken place both in the academic literature, such as
journals and databases, as well as the non-academic 'grey' literature,
including whitepapers, reports and case studies, and then to identify
any gaps for future research."
The Systematic Review addresses five questions:
-
What is the extent of use of learning technologies in the workplace?
-
What is the impact/effectiveness of the use of learning technologies in
the workplace?
-
What are the measures/criteria for determining the
success/effectiveness of the use of learning technologies in the
workplace?
-
What are the factors that influence/impact the success/effectiveness of
the use of learning technologies in the workplace?
-
What evidence is there that the use of learning technologies has been
more successful/ effective than traditional/ face-to-face learning in
the workplace?
Visitors to the Learning Technologies exhibition will find LL on stand
115.
end
Notes for Editors
About Learning Light Ltd
Learning Light is a non-profit organisation that builds relationships
between learning technology researchers, suppliers, buyers and learners
providing learner-centric information to encourage the growth of
learning technologies. By sharing comprehensive research, highlighting
successes and failures, Learning Light helps to promote the learning
technologies community.
Learning Light provides bespoke and individual services to help both
buyers and suppliers of learning technologies (e-Learning). Its current
services include:
Research Services
Providing access to expert insights, advice and guidance built on
indepth research. Helping organisations to effectively implement
learning technologies (e-Learning) and integrate them within their
workflow processes.
Membership Services
Partnering with leading thinkers in the industry and providing a
network for all interested in the field to share information,
knowledge, insight, experience and expertise, through utilising online
community tools, networking events, conferences and guru seminars.
Professional Services
Our highly experienced team offers organisations access to range of
competitively priced consultancy services supporting buyers with the
effective implementation of their learning technology (e-Learning)
requirements. And, for suppliers, helping to provide a range of
services to assist market awareness and generate growth.
In addition, Learning Light provides a comprehensive Professional
Development programme to help Learning & Development professionals
understand the significance of learning technologies in the workplace
today and how to effectively implement them within the workflow
processes of their organisation.
Sheffield-based Learning Light is supported by Yorkshire Forward, the
regional development agency for Yorkshire, and the Humber and Objective
1 South Yorkshire.
Further information from:
Mark
Pittaway/ Kay Simpson, Learning Light, 0114 201 5703
Bob Little, Bob Little Press & PR, 01727 860405
www.learninglight.com
