It provides an effective discussion forum for those having strategic and operational responsibility for Information Systems within their institutions. We are pleased that the Government identifies the enormous contribution that Information Technology can make in allowing learners to study at a time and place convenient to them. Suitable processes and partnerships for providing and resourcing such support need to be explored.
New technology has an important part to play, but is only one method of delivery.
We believe that a multi-stranded approach is needed. HEIs have the potential to contribute to this provision - we discuss this under chapter 2 below. Learners' own equipment will be an important part of the picture. HEIs are finding year on year that an increasingly large proportion of students own their own PCs. Often these are purchased for leisure and entertainment purposes rather than specifically to support the student's learning.