UNIVERSITY OF BRISTOL
Media release
Estelle Morris praises new, free Internet resource for further education

A national Web initiative offering free online training in Internet skills to students and lecturers in further education will be launched next Monday [June 10] at www.vts.rdn.ac.uk

Building on the success of the 40 higher education tutorials launched last year, the 11 new "teach yourself" Web tutorials in the Resource Discovery Network (RDN) Virtual Training Suite will enable students in further education to find high quality information on the Internet to support their course work.

Secretary of State for Education and Skills, Estelle Morris, said: "The potential of the Internet to support education and work can only be met if people have the skills and inspiration to use it. That is why I am glad that the RDN Virtual Training Suite is now offering 11 new tutorials which will provide a helpful overview of what the Internet can offer for anyone studying or teaching at a college or university.

"The fact that these tutorials can be taken at any time over the Web for free means that they can help anyone learn at a time and a place that suits them. I hope that large numbers will take advantage of this and discover how the Internet can enhance their studying."

The RDN Virtual Training Suite offers self-taught training in Internet information skills. Each tutorial has been written by an expert "tour guide" - a further education teacher or librarian with knowledge of both their subject area and the Internet.

The tutorials offer step-by-step instruction in Internet searching and information skills, such as critical evaluation. Online quizzes and interactive exercises lighten the learning experience and there is a glossary of Internet terms and a "Links Basket" to collect a personal list of useful Web links.

Lecturers, librarians and IT trainers are encouraged to use these tutorials to support subject curricula, student induction, staff development and training in IT Key Skills. The skills covered map on to part of the Key Skills specifications for Information Technology, as defined by the Qualifications Curriculum Authority. Teaching Packs offer case study examples of how these tutorials can be used in different courses at levels 1-3, ranging from A Level to GNVQ and AVCE.

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Email: public-relations@bristol.ac.uk
Copyright: 2001 The University of Bristol, UK
Updated: Tuesday, 11-Jun-2002 12:49:59 BST