It has long been understood that learning is not just about the acquisition of skills and knowledge. Learners bring with them their hopes, anxieties, a personal history of learning and raft of practical matters that may have little to do with the subject of study. The flexibility offered by e-Learning may alleviate some of the practical issues such as access and child care. Another learning barrier to e-Learning may be basic literacy skills.

Learners using e-Learning resources should have access to personal support, where they can discuss their learning related problems in confidence with someone who may be able to act as advocate or advisor.

In the document E-learning and Widening Participation for NHS staff 2006, Anne Wright outlines the way that e-Learning could enable NHS staff with low or no qualifications to gain skills and recognition through e-Learning.

"The benefits and potential of e-learning are central to the drivers, target groups, and curriculum focus for the NHS widening participation strategy. These key drivers include motivation, reach and access, inclusion, flexibility, and personalised learning. Drivers of quality and efficiency will also be important for local organisations and the service as a whole. E-learning can offer benefits to staff with low qualifications or those for whom there are barriers and blockages to learning, as well as to professional staff for pre-registration, post-registration and professional education and development."

Focussing on learners who have had a poor experience of learning in the past requires a personalised approach to learning support. This includes offering a wide variety of ways to learn, flexible assessment and high levels of support from managers and those supporting learning. You can read the executive summary of the report, E-learning and widening participation for NHS.
 
Though it is no longer current, you can find out more about the NHS Widening participation agenda.

Related Resources

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  E-learning and Widening Participation for NHS staff 2006 - executive summary
  

  In the summary of the E-learning and Widening Participation for NHS staff 2006, Anne Wright outlines the way that e-Learning could enable NHS staff with low or no qualifications to gain skills and recognition through e-Learning.

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