In administration, management, assessment, teaching and learning the use of technology, to enhance current practice, is being encouraged more and more.

Skype is another tool to add to a learning provider's toolbox; a tool that can enrich and expand the learning experience.

At the heart of any learning provider choosing to use a particular communication channel should be the desire to expand and extend the learning process.

Engagement with stakeholders is an important element in the new Common Inspection Framework.

This uNET Supplement is designed to give readers a broader understanding of the potential of using Skype; in particular its use in the assessment process within Work-Based Learning and other competency based courses.

This draws on the experiences of...

• colleagues within the JISC Regional Support Centres;
• supported learning providers, here in the northwest of England, including HE, FE Colleges, Specialist Colleges, 6th Form Colleges, Personal & Community Learning provided by Local Authorities and Work Based Learning Providers funded by the LSC;

plus...

• information gathered from and/or disseminated by JISC, ja.net and/or our partner organisations, conferences and papers;
• our own personal experiences as an eLearning Advisers: chairing Strategic Implementation Groups, Supporting strategic implementations, attending Forums, developing Staff Development Resources (including eBooks and downloadable zipped eXe files for use on VLEs), running uNET workshops (using New & Emerging Technologies) etc.

Remember: - although the idea of implementing new communication channels, such as Skype, may seem challenging right now, in the end it has the potential to benefit hundreds of learners and practitioners, improve the quality of assessment evidence and cut down on travel, administration time and paperwork.

What do you do now and what would you like to be able to do?