Learning Light
Second Floor, Gladstone Building,
1 St James Row, Sheffield, S1 2EU
Tel +44 (0)114 223 2442; Web www.learninglight.com
7th June 2006
Learning Light begins a systematic literature review
As a result of being often asked for 'real evidence' of the
effectiveness of e-learning - and not just company anecdotes - Learning
Light (LL) is undertaking a large scale review of evidence-based
research into the use and effectiveness of learning technologies in the
workplace. According to Mark Pittaway, LL's CEO: "This is both a unique
and valuable piece of work which, once published, should enable the
e-learning sector to become more widely accepted as a key factor in
business development."
LL, a non-profit organisation seeking to establish itself as a Centre
of Excellence in the use of learning technologies in the workplace, is
undertaking the research in association with a team of researchers from
the University of Sheffield's Department of Information Studies, headed
by Dr Miguel Nunes. The review by LL is also receiving support from
Skills for Business Network (SfBN) work based e-learning project which
shares a focus on understanding employer demand for e-learning.
Welcoming LL's initiative, Laura Overton, the SfBN e-learning champion
based at e-skills UK commented: "Learning Light's review is a good
example of us working collaboratively as an industry to identify any
gaps for future research."
Jane Knight, LL's Head of Research, said: "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.
"To scope the boundaries of the review and to guide the research term,
we have set up a Review Panel, which includes research experts and
leading players in the industry, including Laura Overton."
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?
The
research is taking place over the next few months and the results
should be available in late August 2006 in the following formats:
-
A report
for industry on the findings. This will be available for free to all LL
subscribers
-
A
searchable database containing the summaries of studies used in the
review
-
A
high-level visual map of the research uncovered
"If you
have done any research or know of any studies which address any or all
of these five research questions, then please let us know," said
Knight. "We are particularly interested in whitepapers, vendor
research, reports, conference proceedings or other case studies, but
information about other published/peer reviewed research would also be
welcome.
"Please send links to
jane.knight@learninglight.com. In return, we will send you a copy
of the research report once it is published."
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
