Epic secures online learning for NLN
Epic has been selected by Becta to undertake the development of
40 hours of ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) e-learning
resources which will be available free from Adult and Community
Learning providers. This is Round 4 of the National Learning Network
(NLN) content development initiative, which aims to embed e-learning
in the Further Education and Adult and Community Learning sectors.
Epic will be working in close partnership with Hastings College
of Arts and Technology, who will help ensure that the materials
are finely tuned to the needs of the tutors and learners who will
be using them. Learners will include refugees, migrant workers and
those in settled UK communities from the Asian sub-continent and
Hong Kong. Editorial expertise will be provided by Nina O'Driscoll,
a renowned author in ESOL.
The 40 hours of materials span Entry level 1 to Level 2 and the
material will be packaged as small, self-contained episodes (Learning
Objects, or LOs) approximately 15-20 minutes in duration, rather
than as a course with a pre-determined path. The LOs are highly
interactive, engaging and motivating, and employ a range of media
to enable learners to meet specific learning objectives across the
skills of speaking, listening, reading and writing. For example,
the learner may have to negotiate a potentially explosive situation
with a neighbour. Using a mix of video and interactive questions,
the learner tries to calm the neighbour down. If the learner is
unsuccessful, the neighbour gets very angry indeed! This material
is structured to empower the student in real-world situations but
also gives the opportunity to practise in a safe environment.
The LOs provide information, tasks and assessments through the
creative and appropriate use of various media including audio, video,
simulation and animation, and are fully accessible by all users.
To enhance usability, the LOs are capable of use in a variety of
ways – on a whiteboard with the whole class, through a VLE,
in a learning resource centre or even at home. The programme aims
to provide an immersive environment for learners, using interactive
strategies such as video conversations, games, drag and drop word
and sentence builders.
John Harris, Director of Education at Epic, said “We are
delighted to have this opportunity to demonstrate innovative and
creative approaches to language teaching that build on the work
we have already undertaken for NLN. Technology has the power to
transform the Adult and Community Learning sector and we are glad
to be playing a part in such a worthwhile initiative. Epic staff
are enthusiastic about a worthwhile initiative that aims to increase
social inclusion amongst non-native English speakers.”
David Prescod, Senior Project Manager for the NLN Materials Team,
said “Epic have recently completed the development of some
very engaging learning materials in our Round 3 Programme of work.
Round 4 presents a new target audience of the Adult and Community
Learning Sector. The pedagogic approaches which Epic have identified
for ESOL Entry Level 1 to Level 2 are inspiring. Combined with their
creative flair, I am certain that these new materials will be very
well received by the sector”.
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