Learning Light begins a systematic literature review

As a result of being often asked for ‘real evidence’ of the effectiveness of e-learning – and not just company anecdotes - Learning Light (LL) is undertaking a large scale review of evidence-based research into the use and effectiveness of learning technologies in the workplace. According to Mark Pittaway, LL’s CEO: “This is both a unique and valuable piece of work which, once published, should enable the e-learning sector to become more widely accepted as a key factor in business development.”

LL, a non-profit organisation seeking to establish itself as a Centre of Excellence in the use of learning technologies in the workplace, is undertaking the research in association with a team of researchers from the University of Sheffield’s Department of Information Studies, headed by Dr Miguel Nunes. The review by LL is also receiving support from Skills for Business Network (SfBN) work based e-learning project which shares a focus on understanding employer demand for e-learning,.

Welcoming LL’s initiative, Laura Overton, the SfBN e-learning champion based at e-skills UK commented: “Learning Light’s review is a good example of us working collaboratively as an industry to identify any gaps for future research.”

Jane Knight, LL’s Head of Research, said: “The purpose of the Systematic Review is to map the research that has taken place both in the academic literature, such as journals and databases, as well as the non-academic ‘grey’ literature, including whitepapers, reports and case studies, and then to identify any gaps for future research.

“To scope the boundaries of the review and to guide the research term, we have set up a Review Panel, which includes research experts and leading players in the industry, including Laura Overton.”

The Systematic Review addresses five questions:

1. What is the extent of use of learning technologies in the workplace?
2. What is the impact/effectiveness of the use of learning technologies in the workplace?
3. What are the measures/criteria for determining the success/effectiveness of the use of learning technologies in the workplace?
4. What are the factors that influence/impact the success/effectiveness of the use of learning technologies in the workplace?
5. What evidence is there that the use of learning technologies has been more successful/ effective than traditional/ face-to-face learning in the workplace?

The research is taking place over the next few months and the results should be available in late August 2006 in the following formats:

• A report for industry on the findings. This will be available for free to all LL subscribers.
• A searchable database containing the summaries of studies used in the review.
• A high-level visual map of the research uncovered.

“If you have done any research or know of any studies which address any or all of these five research questions, then please let us know,” said Knight. “We are particularly interested in whitepapers, vendor research, reports, conference proceedings or other case studies, but information about other published/peer reviewed research would also be welcome.

“Please send links to jane.knight@learninglight.com. In return, we will send you a copy of the research report once it is published.”

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Notes for Editors:

About Learning Light Ltd

Learning Light is a non-profit organisation that builds relationships between learning technology researchers, suppliers, buyers and learners providing learner-centric information to encourage the growth of learning technologies. By sharing comprehensive research, highlighting successes and failures, Learning Light helps to promote the learning technologies community.

Learning Light provides bespoke and individual services to help both buyers and suppliers of learning technologies (e-Learning). Its current services include:

Research Services
Providing access to expert insights, advice and guidance built on indepth research. Helping organisations to effectively implement learning technologies (e-Learning) and integrate them within their workflow processes.

Membership Services
Partnering with leading thinkers in the industry and providing a network for all interested in the field to share information, knowledge, insight, experience and expertise, through utilising online community tools, networking events, conferences and guru seminars.

Professional Services
Our highly experienced team offers organisations access to range of competitively priced consultancy services supporting buyers with the effective implementation of their learning technology (e-Learning) requirements. And, for suppliers, helping to provide a range of services to assist market awareness and generate growth.

In addition, Learning Light provides a comprehensive Professional Development programme to help Learning & Development professionals understand the significance of learning technologies in the workplace today and how to effectively implement them within the workflow processes of their organisation.

Supported by Yorkshire Forward, the regional development agency for Yorkshire, and the Humber and Objective 1 South Yorkshire, Learning Light has a nationwide – and international - remit to provide bespoke and individual services to help both buyers and suppliers of learning technologies.


Further information from:
Mark Pittaway/ Kay Simpson, Learning Light, 0114 201 5703
Bob Little, Bob Little Press & PR, 01727 860405

www.learninglight.com