12 May 2004

To	Heads of HEFCE-funded higher education institutions Heads of HEFCE-funded further education colleges Heads of universities in Northern Ireland

Direct Line	0117 931 7300
Direct Fax	0117 931 7203

Circular letter number 09/2004

For further information contact Liz Franco tel 0117 931 7335 e-mail l.franco@hefce.ac.uk

Dear Vice-Chancellor or Principal

HEFCE e-learning strategy: consultation responses and next steps

1. In July 2003, we consulted on our strategy for promoting e-learning in higher education (Circular letter 21/3003). Responses to the consultation were analysed by independent consultants. Their report is available on the web. This letter summarises the key points and sets out the next steps in finalising our strategy.

2. HEFCE is charged in the Government's White Paper 'The future of higher education' with working with partners to embed e-learning in a full and sustainable way within the next 10 years. The e-learning consultation we issued in July 2003 proposed the following main strands of activity for the HE sector:

research, evaluation and strategic review
strategic and change management and funding for sustainability
curriculum design, development and pedagogy, and human resources
learning resources
collaboration, progression and student support
quality
infrastructure and standards.

Responses

3. There were a total of 114 responses from universities, colleges and other stakeholders.

4. Respondents overwhelmingly requested a strategy that emphasises 'blended' approaches to learning and teaching - where e-learning via the web or other technologies is augmented by more traditional methods including classroom sessions, and the use of books and other resources - rather than wholly e-based learning. Respondents agreed that the proposed strands should be included but there were differences on their relative significance: many placed particular emphasis on curriculum design. Many respondents asked for clarification of the function of the Higher Education Academy and JISC in the pedagogy of e-learning; and requested a clear definition of what is meant by e-learning.

5. In promoting blended learning, respondents requested an approach that is not restricted to the use of technology and noted that e-learning is a process not a product. Generally, respondents felt that the e-learning strategy should include more emphasis on developing learner support and guidance, and staff development, and should highlight the central role of libraries and information services.

6. Many in the sector felt that the strategy should support institution-wide change and that it should connect to other strategies such as those for learning and teaching and human resources, and specifically to the e-learning strategy produced by the Department for Education and Skills. This is available on the web at www.dfes.gov.uk/elearningstrategy

7. A number of comments related to the role of UK e-Universities Worldwide (UKeU) in developing e-learning in the sector. Following a review of UKeU's activities, the HEFCE Board announced earlier this year that future HEFCE funding will support the development of e-learning within universities and colleges, with more emphasis on public good rather than commercial objectives. Following the April HEFCE Board meeting a further statement (dated 23 April 2004) was published on the web.

Next steps

8. In the light of these comments, we will undertake the following to produce our e-learning strategy:

further consultation with expert groups including the relevant agencies
further analysis of the responses to the draft e-learning strategy
continue discussion with the DfES and other partners about how we help with joined up thinking across the sector.

9. We aim to publish our final strategy in autumn this year.

Yours sincerely

Howard Newby
Chief Executive

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