RDN Virtual Training Suite for further education

Citation

(2002), "RDN Virtual Training Suite for further education", Program: electronic library and information systems, Vol. 36 No. 4. https://doi.org/10.1108/prog.2002.28036dab.010

RDN Virtual Training Suite for further education

RDN Virtual Training Suite for further education

A national Web initiative offering free online training in Internet skills to students and lecturers in further education was launched in mid-2002. Building on the success of the 40 higher education tutorials launched during 2000 and 2001, the 11 new "teach-yourself" Web tutorials in the Resource Discovery Network (RDN) Virtual Training Suite will enable students in further education to find high quality information on the Internet to support their course work.

Secretary of State for Education and Skills in the UK, Estelle Morris, said: "The potential of the Internet to support education and work can only be met if people have the skills and inspiration to use it. That is why I am glad that the RDN Virtual Training Suite is now offering 11 new tutorials which will provide a helpful overview of what the Internet can offer for anyone studying or teaching at a college or university."

"The fact that these tutorials can be taken at any time over the Web for free, means that they can help anyone learn at a time and a place that suits them. I hope that large numbers will take advantage of this and discover how the Internet can enhance their studying."

The RDN Virtual Training Suite offers self-taught training in Internet information skills. Each tutorial has been written by an expert "tour guide" – a further education teacher or librarian with knowledge of both their subject area and the Internet.

The tutorials offer step-by-step instruction in Internet searching and information skills, such as critical evaluation. Online quizzes and interactive exercises lighten the learning experience and there is a glossary of Internet terms and a "Links Basket" to collect a personal list of useful Web links.

Lecturers, librarians and IT trainers are encouraged to use these tutorials to support subject curricula, student induction, staff development and training in IT key skills. The skills covered link to part of the key skills specifications for information technology, as defined by the Qualifications Curriculum Authority. Teaching packs offer case study examples of how these tutorials can be used in different courses at levels 1-3, ranging from A Level to GNVQ and AVCE.

The 11 tutorial titles are:

1. 1.

   Internet for Art, Design and Media;

2. 2.

   Internet for Business Studies;

3. 3.

   Internet for Construction;

4. 4.

   Internet for Engineering (General and Automotive);

5. 5.

   Internet for Hairdressing and Beauty;

6. 6.

   Internet for Health and Social Care;

7. 7.

   Internet for Hospitality and Catering;

8. 8.

   Internet for Information and Communication Technology;

9. 9.

   Internet for Leisure, Sport and Recreation;

10. 10.

    Internet for Performing Arts;

11. 11.

    Internet for Travel and Tourism.

The RDN Virtual Training Suite provides 50 subject-specific tutorials that teach Internet information skills.

The RDN is a national Internet service for learners, teachers and researchers funded by the higher and further education funding bodies and the Learning and Skills Council via the Joint Information Systems Committee (JISC), and by Research Councils such as the Economic and Social Science Research Council (ESRC). The JISC promotes the innovative application and use of information systems and information technology in further and higher education across the UK and funded development of this resource.

This project was co-ordinated by the Institute for Learning and Research Technology (ILRT) at Bristol University (www.ilrt.bris.ac.uk), in collaboration with the RDN and more than 20 UK colleges.

For further information please contact Emma Place, ILRT, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK. Tel: +44(0) 117 928 7183; Fax: +44 (0) 117 928 7112; E-mail: emma.place@bristol.ac.uk; URL: www.vts.rdn.ac.uk