PR 2431

WIRED FOR THE FUTURE SHOWS BENEFITS OF ONLINE LEARNING

Amongst the delegates at Hampshire's e-learning conference on 18th November will be Sony's fast learning canine robot "AIBO" (courtesy of BT).

The doggy-shaped robot learns as he goes and is described by Sony as: "a unique companion, gradually adapting itself to your environment, capable of expressing emotion, very skilful and with an inherent desire to entertain. AIBO will win your heart and entertain your mind"

As well as enjoying the doggy tricks of AIBO, delegates will be able to hear from national and international experts in e-learning and skills development on the benefits of web-based skills development and learning for business, community groups and educational bodies. The conference, "Wired for the Future, Switch on to the benefits of e-learning!" is being held on November 18 at Winchester Guildhall. It is supported by partners, including Hampshire County Council, BT, SEEDA, Winchester City Council and the Learning and Skills Council

Delegates to the conference will also be updated on broadband availability, speeds and take-up, as well as the financial help offered for broadband adoption and its use in e-learning.

Councillor Michael Woodhall, Hampshire County Council Executive Member for Economic Development, said: "E-learning offers a cost-effective way to develop workforce training skills for business, while providing an opportunity for education providers to reach out to students through distance learning or support. Community groups will find it offers the chance to overcome the `digital divide' and introduce new IT skills."

The Conference will be chaired by David Livermore who has worked with Information Technology at the highest level in the public, private and voluntary sectors.

Sheila Campbell, leader of Winchester City Council, and an IT professional will set the scene and introduce the five speakers, the first of whom, John Rees-Evans, is project director of Hampshire Broadband.

The keynote speech, Bridging the Gap with e-Learning, will be given by Laura Overton of e-Skills UK, who will be followed by Tony Treacy of Solent Training and Development with an analysis of the right way to approach and deliver e-learning.

Lance Spraggons, an independent e-learning consultant who is chairman of the British Learning Association Quality Forum and Peter Butler, Head of Learning at BT, will each speak on different aspects of on-line education.

"This conference should interest not only senior managers and chief executives, but also those who manage human resources and training programmes, economic and community development professionals, IT professionals and anyone who has an interest in the use of broadband technology," said Councillor Woodhall.

Exhibitors attending include:

· Hampshire County Council www.hants.gov.uk

· Hampshire Broadband www.hampshirebroadband.org

· Winchester City Council www.winchester.gov.uk

· BT www.bt.com

· SEEDA www.seeda.co.uk

· Learning & Skills Council www.lsc.gov.uk

· Solent Training & Development www.solentbiz.co.uk

· Hampshire & Solent Learning Hub www.hslh.co.uk

· HMD Ltd www.hmdlimited.co.uk

· Southern Learning Hub Ltd www.southernlearninghub.co.uk

There are still places on the conference, at Winchester Guildhall on Friday November 18 from 9.30am-2.30pm. Lunch is included in the £45 (plus VAT) delegate rate (concessions £25 + VAT).

For booking details please telephone 01962 846381 or email economic.development@hants.gov.uk

Booking forms may be downloaded at www.hampshirebroadband.org

ENDS

For further information please contact: Alison Taylor on 01962 845155

alison.taylor@hants.gov.uk

31/10/2005