In the recent United Kingdom Department for Innovation, Universities & Skills (DIUS) report on informal adult learning commissioned by Secretary of State John Denham, ALISON is featured as a “new technology that is opening up the world of knowledge and offering new, flexible and exciting ways to learn” (Innovation, Universities & Skills (2008), Informal Adult Learning – Shaping the Way Ahead, page 26, London: DIUS Publications)
The report notes that “ever-expanding learning opportunities are possible through the availability of hand-held devices, wide access to broadband and wireless connections, the growth in open source materials and free interactive multimedia learning programmes such as ALISON and Kickstart TV.” Furthermore, in section five of the report, which focuses on the contribution of new technology and broadcasting, it is reported that new technologies, such as ALISON, are “already transforming every aspect of our lives at tremendous speed.”
The report notes that the UK is increasing spending on adult learning by some £600 million over the next three years, to £4.8 billion. The DIUS believes that this investment is essential if the UK is to remain competitive and prosperous, and if it is to ensure that every citizen has the chance to enjoy rewarding work and family security.
The ALISON team is proud to have our groundbreaking online education service included in such an important publication, especially as we wholeheartedly share the important ambitions expressed in the report. ALISON has a strong commitment to Article 26 of the United Nation’s Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and thus firmly shares the mission of DIUS that “only an inclusive society that creates opportunities for all its people will have the strength and resource to be at the leading edge of the world economy or meet the global challenges of the 21st century.”
The contents of the full report can be found at:
http://www.adultlearningconsultation.org.uk/
For more information on ALISON please visit http://alison.com
