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Product category: Training Aids and eCommunication
News Release from: Learning Light | Subject: Learning technologies review
Edited by the Manufacturingtalk Editorial Team on 09 June 2006

Learning Light begins systematic
literature review

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Learning Light (LL) is undertaking a large scale review of evidence-based research into the use and effectiveness of learning technologies in the workplace.

As a result of being often asked for 'real evidence' of the effectiveness of e-learning - and not just company anecdotes - Learning Light (LL) is undertaking a large scale review of evidence-based research into the use and effectiveness of learning technologies in the workplace According to Mark Pittaway, LL's CEO: "This is both a unique and valuable piece of work which, once published, should enable the e-learning sector to become more widely accepted as a key factor in business development." LL, a non-profit organisation seeking to establish itself as a Centre of Excellence in the use of learning technologies in the workplace, is undertaking the research in association with a team of researchers from the University of Sheffield's Department of Information Studies, headed by Dr Miguel Nunes

The review by LL is also receiving support from Skills for Business Network (SfBN) work based e-learning project which shares a focus on understanding employer demand for e-learning,.

Welcoming LL's initiative, Laura Overton, the SfBN e-learning champion based at e-skills UK commented: "Learning Light's review is a good example of us working collaboratively as an industry to identify any gaps for future research." Jane Knight, LL's Head of Research, said: "The purpose of the Systematic Review is to map the research that has taken place both in the academic literature, such as journals and databases, as well as the non-academic 'grey' literature, including whitepapers, reports and case studies, and then to identify any gaps for future research".

"To scope the boundaries of the review and to guide the research term, we have set up a Review Panel, which includes research experts and leading players in the industry, including Laura Overton." The Systematic Review addresses five questions:.

* What is the extent of use of learning technologies in the workplace?.

* What is the impact/effectiveness of the use of learning technologies in the workplace?.

* What are the measures/criteria for determining the success/effectiveness of the use of learning technologies in the workplace?.

* What are the factors that influence/impact the success/effectiveness of the use of learning technologies in the workplace?.

* What evidence is there that the use of learning technologies has been more successful/ effective than traditional/ face-to-face learning in the workplace?.

The research is taking place over the next few months and the results should be available in late August 2006 in the following formats:.

- A report for industry on the findings.

This will be available for free to all LL subscribers.

- A searchable database containing the summaries of studies used in the review.

- A high-level visual map of the research uncovered.

"If you have done any research or know of any studies which address any or all of these five research questions, then please let us know," said Knight.

We are particularly interested in whitepapers, vendor research, reports, conference proceedings or other case studies, but information about other published/peer reviewed research would also be welcome.

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