Southwark`s Information Learning Technology / e-Learning Strategy has been drafted for approval by the LSC and NIACE. Once approved, the Online Learning Action Group will tasked with recommending how it is implemented and how it remains responsive to needs. This will involve scrutiny of accessibility, infrastructure, content and support for e-learning.

The vision is for Southwark as a borough where e-learning enthusiasts (`early adopters`) are encouraged, enabled and supported in maximising the impact of Information Learning Technologies to raise local skills and achievement.

This vision extends beyond Adult and Community Learning to all sectors of education and training, including schools, on the basis that a collaborative and integrated approach is required to leverage all available resources, realise best practice and develop "e-Confidence" across the entire learning environment.

The cornerstones for translating this vision into reality are: Accessibility, Infrastructure, Content and Support. The central principle that must focus the vision is `Learner Entitlement`, based on a commitment to making learning available, appropriate and relevant to all regardless of where they might be in their learning journey.

The vision is necessarily broad, traversing sectoral, curricula and cultural boundaries. In order to succeed, we must challenge the existing boundaries and barriers to learning and create new models for raising skills and achievement.

Southwark has many advantages to work from, including a rich pattern and mix of Adult & Community Learning provision, a high level of investment in regeneration and renewal activities, a track record in collaborative and innovative ways of working together and a diverse population, brimming with potential.

The envisaged improvements that will result from the successful implementation of the action plan include:

• A more articulated local learning system where transitions and progression from one opportunity, institution and sector to another are enhanced.
• An increasing capacity for Adult & Community Learning (ACL) providers to utilise the power of technology to carry out their teaching and service functions.
• A better conception of what constitutes best practice in the field of e-learning, information learning technology and mixed-mode teaching methods (blended- learning).
• A better informed set of actual and potential learners about the choices and opportunities available to them.
• A demonstrable increase in the delivery of appropriate and relevant learning to under-served neighbourhoods and communities.