e-learning case studies

Epic National Learning Network

Case study: interactive learning material and courseware for sixth form students

Background

The National Learning Network (NLN) is a government-funded project that was set up to provide high-quality, web-based interactive learning material for students in further education colleges.

The NLN provides the infrastructure and a wide-ranging programme of support, information and training, as well as the development and provision of materials for teaching and learning.

The NLN is a vast resource with a huge number of users around the country. To work properly, the teaching material needed to be versatile enough to be used for self study, tutor-mediated or on an interactive whiteboard in the classroom. It also had to conform to SCORM compatibility standards and WAI accessibility standards.

The NLN contacted Epic Group plc, the UK market leader in e-learning, blended learning and knowledge solutions, to produce interactive learning materials.

E-learning solution

Epic produced over 40 hours of A and AS Level learning materials for the programme in Physics, English Language and Sociology.

Throughout the development phase, Epic worked closely with FE colleges all over the country to research the target audience, develop design ideas and test materials.

To ensure the teaching materials would work with as many computer systems as possible, Epic designed the materials to be delivered through a range of commercially-available SCORM-compliant virtual learning environments.

Results

In many ways, the interactive materials surpass traditional teaching methods. Students are able to do things online that would be difficult or impossible in the classroom, such as simulating dangerous or expensive experiments or clicking regions on a map to compare and contrast a variety of regional accents.

The teaching material is versatile enough to be used in independent study, tutor-mediated or in the classroom, which adds up to significant savings for the NLN and FE colleges.

The compatibility means the objects can be integrated with a wide range of virtual learning environments which can be accessed easily and inexpensively by students and teachers alike.