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What did the project achieve? The key achievements of the project (related to the objectives) were the:
  1. Development/enhancement of community learning networks: the LINC project enhanced the involvement of local UHI Academic Partners in the community learning networks in their region. (Objectives 1 & 2).
  2. Closer collaboration with Local Learning Centres: These developments built on the established network of Local Learning Centres put in place by some of the Academic Partners. In addition several new collaborations were developed between the local college and independent Learning Centres and in two areas this collaboration has led to success in securing additional funding to develop opportunities initiated by LINC. (Objective 2).
  3. Initial assessment of the demand for online learning within the region: The project has identified a demand for online learning ranging from short-course, FE level provision to full degree programmes. In addition demand was identified to use individual degree modules as Continuing Professional Development (CPD) by graduates. However there is a need for further investigation for the demand for online learning in the region. (Objectives 3 & 4).
  4. Access to new learning opportunities for the community: The project gave a total of 288 learners (192 beneficiaries of Adapt funding) the opportunity to study one or more degree modules online (study time 15 weeks at 10 hours per week). Feedback from participants indicated that the opportunity to study locally was important. (Objectives 1, 2, 6 & 7).
  5. Development of online learning skills amongst UHI staff: LINC gave staff an opportunity to develop two distinct sets of skills, those for creating online learning resources and those for tutoring online. These professional skills are essential for the development of UHI itself. Several of the modules created have been modified as a result of the LINC experiences and are in use now as part of full degree programmes. (Objectives 6 & 7).
  6. Greater understanding of the development and delivery of online learning: The project identified administrative and organisational issues that are central to the delivery of high quality networked degrees. It has begun the process of identifying time and cost issues unique to UHI as an institution. It has confirmed key pedagogic principles necessary for both design and delivery of successful online learning that enable students to develop their skills as successful and (increasingly) independent learners. (Objectives 6 & 7).
  7. Measurable improvements in the operation/support for learning over the project: The online LINC modules were offered over two semesters so it was possible to identify areas of significant improvements in the quality of the students' experiences, particularly with regard to induction, pastoral student support, technical support and completion rates. (Objective 6).
  8. Testing of two Virtual Learning Environments: Virtual Learning Environments (VLEs) are an integrated computer-based learning environment which contains the learning resources, communications systems (both email and discussion boards) and student tracking systems. A variety of VLEs are available so the opportunity to test two, WebCT (which provides a fully integrated system) and Fretwell Downing (which provides detailed student management), was very valuable. Experiences showed a clear difference in favour of WebCT. (Objectives 6 & 7).
  9. Quality issues: Significant progress has been made in identifying the quality standards that need to be in place in order to ensure that students have a positive experience and that staff are in a position to provide high quality academic, pastoral and technical support. The institutional infrastructure and regulations to ensure that UHI meets the external quality assurance criteria are benefiting from the LINC project. (Objectives 2, 6, 7 & 8).
  10. Evaluation and Research: The final objective of the project, undertaking evaluation and dissemination, means that the lessons from the project were identified and are being used to inform ongoing developments within UHI. In addition these are being disseminated to local, national and international research audiences and in the process the profile of educational research at UHI is being raised. (Objective 8).
  11. Development of new networks of staff within UHI: This project has enabled a wide group of staff, from different functions within all the UHI Academic Partners, to work together. In so doing it has created new networks of people who continue to collaborate in a range of processes which are furthering UHI's development. (An outcome of the whole project rather than specific objectives.)
  12. Short courses: In addition to the opportunities for online learning a series of short FE courses (1 day or less) were delivered in local colleges or learning centres to a total of 582 people (438 beneficiaries). This was in addition to the original eight objectives but fitted closely to objectives 1 & 2.

Some of these achievements should be considered as the beginnings of a longer process rather than absolute finite outcomes of LINC. For example, the LINC project alone cannot create the quality assurance systems UHI requires for networked online learning, but it is making a significant contribution to these developments. The experiences of many of the staff involved are informing the course teams who are continuing the process of developing and delivering networked online learning. New initiatives on staff development and technical support have been implemented as a direct consequence of the LINC project. In the process of achieving the benefits listed from the LINC project a wide range of lessons have been learnt, which are also informing ongoing developments.

To view the project achievements in their entirety please consult the executive summary.


  LINC An Adapt Project  -   Aims & Objectives  -   Achievements  -   Findings & Recommendations

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