E-learning by the voluntary sector in Pembrokeshire

October 2004 - August 2005

The research project on e-learning in the voluntary sector has now come to an end. You can read up on the findings in the following publications:

- a brochure with a summary of the findings and case studies form interesting projects in Pembrokeshire, here in Cymraeg

- the full report of the research in Pembrokeshire with extended case studies

- a summary of the findings from Wales

- the full report for Wales

Have a look at our leaflets: 'e-learning courses and websites for voluntary groups' (funding etc), 'e-learning for all abilities', 'e-learning and the environment'.

E-learning is broadly defined by the Welsh Assembly Government as “the use of electronic technology to support, enhance or deliver learning.”

This includes the use of videos, CD-Roms, television programmes, computers on- or off-line and even mobile phones in a variety of ways as part of a formal course or for more informal learning. The potential of all this is to make learning more interesting, flexible and tailored to individual needs. Instead of sitting in a classroom you could learn at home, at work or use a computer in a public space, whenever you've got time, and you can progress at your own pace.

Here are some examples of courses and projects that make use of e-learning:

PAVS is providing support for a group of carers to take part in the City and Guilds course 'Learning for living'

PAVS is now a Learndirect link centre. You can enrol here for courses and get support with course choice. Learndirect offers a range of IT and business courses which come with tutorial support. You can choose to do the courses at special Learndirect centres, where you have access to up-to-date technology and support is available. egt Pembrokeshire College or PAVS in Haverfordwest. Alternatively once you have registered you can complete the course at home or from your workplace.

Milking It - e-learning material from Oxfam, shows how groups in the voluntary sector can utilise e-learning by creating their own e-learning materials

Be Me Wolverhampton is a community project making excellent use of technology plus producing several e-learning offshoots

The BBC offers a range of free courses on its website, ranging from basic skills courses, how to become webwise to how to become a gardener.

Wales Digital College also offers a range of free courses which can either be studied in Welsh or in English. You can do a series of language courses there, as well as computer courses.  

Wales on the Web offers a directory of e-learning providers based in Wales.

The e-college Wales offers a range of business courses, free to residents of Objective One funding areas. They have an interactive introduction to e-learning on their website, so see what it is like.

U3A online courses cover subjects like writing, art history, digital photography or botany.

A European perspective on e-learning can be found on the elearningeurope website.

For any comments contact Bettina Becker