a. Access
to computers and other IT/ICT equipment
Staff and learners will need access to
computers and IT/ICT equipment where and when they need it. Training provider
staff, for example, may be working off site and require access to a word
processing software or a digital recorder. Learners may on occasions need
Internet access in order to access emails, upload evidence to an e-portfolio
or access learning resources from a Virtual
Learning Environments (VLE). Timely access to computers and IT/ICT
equipment is an important consideration in the development of ILT across the
organization.
b. Internet
connectivity
For on-line learning, efficiency gains
can be made through a speedy and reliable connection with the Internet.
Reliable Internet connectivity at the training provider premises is a
requirement for consistent development and delivery of on-line learning. On-line
learning and assessment can be extended into the workplace if connectivity is
available at the employer's premises. Workplace assessors, for example, could
be equipped with laptops and 3G connect cards if there is no, or
insufficient, connectivity on the employer's premises.
c. Learning
platform development
A learning
platform refers to a wide range of IT/ICT systems used to deliver and support
learning. Learning platforms, sometimes called Virtual Learning Environments
(VLE), bring together hardware, software and supporting services to enable
more effective ways of working inside and outside of the training room. At
the heart of a learning platform is the concept of a personalized online
learning space for the learner. This space can offer staff and learners
access to e-learning resources, assignments, schedules, communication and
collaboration with peers, and the facility to track progress. Depending on
the software used, data on learner results and progress can be automatically
transferred to the training provider's Management Information System (MIS).
Staff
acceptance and engagement with a learning platform can differ across
different departments depending on the skills and knowledge of the staff
involved. Training providers should work towards a "whole organisation"
approach to learning platforms, in order to offer learners a consistent
approach to teaching and learning.
d. Technical
Support for staff and learners
The level of technical support available
is a determining factor in the success of an organisations e-learning
provision. If support is focused on
the commercial needs of the business, rather than the needs of the staff and
learners, the quality of the learning and teaching experience will suffer.
The person or persons responsible for
technical support should ensure that processes are in place that enable
trainers, assessors and learners to access support where and when it is
needed. Senior Management should ensure that the provision of technical
support is adequately resourced, and is able to respond to the changing needs
of staff and learners, as well as the business needs of the organisation.