eLearning in the UK: detailed investigation by ESRC

The research project examined the production, textual characteristics and uses of 'educational' websites aimed at the domestic market. It focused on the early growth of the eLearning industry, and the interpenetration of public and private interests in this field; on the pedagogic style of these sites, for example in terms of mode of address, navigation, multimodality and interactivity; and on children's and parents' orientations towards the use of these new media in the home. The research took place against a background of growing interest in home education, on the part of government and commercial corporations.

Key findings were: The report found little use of such sites as parents did not know about them, children preferred entertainment orientated sites, teachers did not promote such sites in their homework and the sites themselves often failed to engage with children.

It should be useful reading for DfES, in light of its eLearning strategy consultations.

The ESRC project set out to:

1) Analyse the current market for educational websites, the economic models on which this industry is based, and the marketing of websites to parents and children. Data were gathered by reading relevant trade publications and reports, attending industry conferences and interviewing industry personnel. The project also investigated new policy initiatives not specifically identified in the original proposal.

2) Categorise the kinds of educational websites currently availablet; and to analyse the pedagogic style of some case study sites. An overview was obtained from industry sources, and through a survey of sites via the National Grid for Learning portal. Three comparative case studies were undertaken, covering a range of sites and subject areas.

3) Identify how educational websites are used in the homet, using case studies of 8 families. Children and parents were interviewed separately and then together; and children were also observed and videotaped using specific sites.

Related links to this story:

Download the report summary and full text from here

ESRC Regard research archive web site

Rated articles:

Consultation papers: DfES: eLearning strategy consulation underway, your ASAP input is encouraged...

DFES: THE SKILLS STRATEGY WHITE PAPER... 21st CENTURY SKILLS - REALISING OUR POTENTIAL

Background notes on this story:

The ESRC's mission is to promote and support, by any means, high quality basic, strategic and applied research and related postgraduate training in the social sciences; to advance knowledge and provide trained social scientists who meet the needs of users and beneficiaries, thereby contributing to the economic competitiveness of the United Kingdom, the effectiveness of public services and policy, and the quality of life; to provide advice on, and disseminate knowledge and promote public understanding of the social sciences.