Provisos, Constraints and Boundary Conditions

Institutions have identified support needs in respect of the internal and external conditions that impact on the strategic planning and implementation of flexible delivery. These include:

• the need for a robust internal and external infrastructure, including connectivity, networking and interoperability issues;

• support for policy development, governance and leadership in a context of cultural change; and

• maintaining and enhancing the quality of the learner experience and the integrity of academic provision.

There are many examples of initiatives exploring infrastructure issues for flexible delivery. JISC has undertaken a large programme of work on the development of managed learning environments (MLEs). This involves the development of tools and processes for systems interoperability and data transfer across a wide educational landscape including schools, FE, HE, employers and professional bodies. Recent initiatives are concerned with the development of Personal Learning Environments (PLEs) in support of flexible, lifelong learning. Resources are also available to support the development and use of digital repositories for interoperable content.

Key reports and resources are also available in support of policy and institutional governance issues for flexible delivery, including legal issues relating to learner records management and inter-institutional repository development.