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Executive Summary

1 Introduction

2 Context

3 Methodology

4 - 9 Findings, Analysis and Discussion

10 Summary of Findings

11 Discussion of Findings

12 References

13 Case Studies

Acknowledgments & Partners

 

Case Study Map 
 

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Institution H10

10 Impact of networked learning on access

The respondents discussed three aspects of access in relation to networked learning, improved flexibility of access for learners, widening participation and disability.

Flexible access

The flexibility of access afforded by networked learning was noted by all the respondents. This was seen as a distinct advantage of this mode of delivery especially as many students nowadays have to work alongside their studying.

… in a sense all students are part-time students now, because lots of students have to work and therefore e-learning can help with that… they can do things at different times, at times that suit them… it allows people to do the “any time, anywhere, any how learning”. (H10I2)

A second respondent also noted this need for flexibility for a changing student population.
More and more students are working even though they are full-time… we’ve got a lot of non-traditional students with other commitments, [networked learning] is going to help them to have the content available… when they want it. (H10I3)

The fact that this flexibility was actually having an impact on students’ ability to study was commented upon by one of the other interviewees.

Yes, we have got lots of case study material from people who, if it wasn’t for this online environment, wouldn’t be able to take part in higher education so we have got people who are working full-time, people who have got family commitments, people who can’t travel to the university on a regular basis, people who are disabled and they find it difficult to physically travel… so yes I think… we’ve enabled lots of people to take part in the online community. (H10I5)

Widening participation

One of the respondents also felt that the widening participation agenda had been successful addressed by the development of networked learning.

The key part of this university’s mission is widening access and that enterprise award actually was aimed at widening access - that was one of its raison d’être. I am utterly delighted with the results we have had with that. (H10I4)

Disability

One of the respondents also suggested that the issue of access for students with disabilities was also being addressed by the institution.

The other thing is disability and [the] accessibility of our materials. We have got the expertise in that so what we say to the academics is you don’t have to learn to be an expert… in accessibility because we have already got that expertise. (H10I5)

This would suggest that e-learning is seen as an important aspect of making access flexible for all students, for engaging with students who are non-traditional learners and also to ensure that those with disabilities will not be disadvantaged in learning.

Summary

Networked learning, it was noted, provided flexible access for students who have an increasing number of demands made on their time. It was also stated that e-learning has the potential to widen access and that one of the projects that the institution had been involved in had done exactly that. Students with disabilities could also be catered for a in a range of ways through the development and adaptation of learning materials.