Briefing Paper Cross Institutional Provision: What JISC is doing

The development of applications, systems and infrastructure to support multi-institutional provision is a major theme across all four strands of the JISC e-Learning Programme. The e-Learning Programme website (www.jisc.ac.uk/programme_elearning.html) is regularly updated with links to developments, outputs and resources.

JISC is leading, with international partners including the Australian Department of Education, Science and Training (DEST), an initiative to build 'the e-Framework for Education and Research'. This is a common, service-oriented approach to the development and integration of computer systems in the sphere of learning, research and education administration. The Framework is the result of a shared conviction that it is better to expose networked functions, such as user/group data or learning content, as simple services rather than as features locked up inside monolithic systems. This approach offers institutions more flexibility, more scope for pedagogic innovation and better return on present and future investment.

Distributed e-Learning regional pilot projects are exploring the use of e-learning systems and tools across a number of institutions across HE and FE within a region to facilitate wider participation in HE and provide better opportunities for lifelong learners. These pilots are focusing on facilitating progression, collaborative teaching and sharing of resources across institutions, and supporting the independent lifelong learner. Further projects in this area are planned for 2006.

JISC is also funding projects aiming to define a web services architecture for the support of e‑learning locally and for the sharing of resources across regions and sectors, including models for course validation and exchanging course-related information.

The Exchange for Learning (X4L) programme has produced staff development resources promoting emerging practice in e-learning across multi-institutional contexts.

A programme aiming to build on previous multi-institutional development projects for HE in FE provision is planned to commence in 2006.

JISC infoNet offers an advisory service for managers in the post-compulsory education sector promoting the effective strategic planning, implementation and management of information and learning technology to support the core activities of learning, teaching, research and business processes.

JISC Legal is a free information service offering high quality legal information to FE and HE relating to the use of ICT, including data protection, human rights, IPR, freedom of information, disability, e-security and cyber crime.

This briefing paper has been edited by Glenaffric Ltd e-learning consultants with support from Professor Mark Stiles, Head of Learning Development & Innovation at Staffordshire University and representatives from the JISC MLEs for Lifelong Learning programme.