Success Factors

What are the key outcomes of the initiative?

The project resulted in a number of outcomes:

Because SOLVS is such a multi-faceted product, the 3 pilots could only cover a limited subset of features. However the Cheshire and Warrington LLN, recognising the potential of SOLVS, began developing projects which could extend and test these features.

The capability of SOLVS to support Personalised Learning is recognised in an offshoot project concerning 14-19 learners in the Chester area where SOLVS will be used to store Individual Learner Plans.

Distinctive and purposeful PDP sequences have been developed during the project. The ability to guide and nurture a learner (or potential learner) through their own thought processes to arrive at a clear and logical decision is powerful. It is feasible that the sequences can be dissected into re-usable components but the project did not reach that point.

Two of the pilots have developed PDP sequences to guide potential learners through reflective processes in order to assess their suitability for a particular course.

A carefully constructed PDP sequence could attract applicants who might not have previously considered this course - supporting the widening participation agenda.

The ability for a potential learner to self-assess their suitability for a particular course before applying is particularly powerful in terms of student retention - having undertaken this process a student should be less likely to withdraw at an early stage due to the course being unsuitable.

LLNs have not been in existence long enough to need to record and track a student's progression across the LLN from course to course but SOLVS is in a position to support this.

SOLVS is tightly bound to the eXchanging Course-Related Information (XCRI) (http://www.xcri.org/) project as Phosphorix is a partner in the main XCRI project and several of the mini-projects. The ability to display course information within the portal has been demonstrated and there is potential for this feature to be made permanent if required.

The pilot projects all made use of the PDP sequencing element of the portal extensively and this emerged as a strong feature of the portal, worthy of much further investigation.

The ioPortal/ioNode technology - nurtured via the sister project ioNW2 - proves to be a valid and reliable platform for Lifelong Learner Network use. Other Lifelong Learner Networks already employ this technology.

The concept of a Lifelong Learner Network-centric (as opposed to institutional) system became stronger as the project reached into the management tiers of the pilot institutions.

What follow-up activity will be/has been carried out as a result of the project?

At the end of the SOLVS project all 3 pilot institutions expressed a wish to continue use of the portal. The major issue for sustainability is funding and in order to demonstrate the value-for-money provided SOLVS will be integrated into new projects and pilot projects in order to demonstrate the potential of the portal to fellow Lifelong Learning Network members.

Some of the SOLVS portal projects earmarked for Stage 2 (and for which funding opportunities are being explored) are:

• PDP sequence research
• Individual Learner Plans for 14-19 Cheshire and Warrington Lifelong Learning Network initiative
• Mentor/IAG interaction
• Diploma central resource
• Placement support
• Progression Agreement
• Employer portal
• Skill Share

The project team also suggested that several areas of the project be explored in more detail, including:

• The use of bespoke PDP sequences to guide learners through reflective statements and questions has a profound effect on both retention and widening participation. This aspect was used by all 3 projects but it is suggested that the project only 'scratched the surface' of its potential
• The use of SOLVS for automatic Course Applications. Once a potential learner has worked through the guidance they can then send a proforma application form to the registration department at the relevant institution. Again, the full potential of this was only being revealed as the project closed