1. Focus on the learning needs of large audiences (but don’t forget the small ones)

What are the core learning needs that lots of people have? They might be induction, health and safety, or new equalities regulations. These are the ones where you can make a large impact using scaleable technology. At the same time, the availability of free or low cost learning technologies mean you can build flexibility into learning programmes and do much more for low investment.

2. Develop a technology enabled learning strategy

When you have identified your learning needs decide which ones are suitable for which technologies. Audio learning might be particularly suitable for dispersed audiences, Wikis are great for letting groups of professionals share and learn, Blogs are great for capturing expert’s tips and insights, any systems training is ideal for screen capture tools. Ensure, however, that the right technology is used for the right learning intervention, or it could all go to pot.

3. DIY content development

In this report we list the free tools you can use in your armoury to develop e and blended learning for next to nothing. Choose the ones that best fit your circumstances and develop your own instructionally sound content as part of your technology enabled learning strategy.

4. Use the power of the network and enable

Don’t try to develop everything yourself. You have a whole workforce out there. Enable them to develop their own content with easy to use tools and infrastructure. Put in the framework for them to create, categorise and share content and you will be able to deliver more learning, quicker and to more people.

5. Develop low cost learning portals

Bring your learning together in a learning portal on the internet. Cheap hosting and free tools allow you to create a password protected learning site in a few days or set up a free open source Learning Management System such as Moodle.