Lifelong Learning for all: e-learning from concept to practice conference will explore the role of distributed e-learning through four main themes:

• Facilitating progression

• Supporting collaborative teaching and sharing of resources across institutions

• Supporting the independent lifelong learner

• The role of community in distributed lifelong learning

Providing an environment which supports and enhances the quality of independent lifelong learning is the commonly stated goal of various e-learning projects. But how robust are the frameworks, how clearly defined are the pathways, how productive are the collaborations, and how effective are the outcomes? Do we even hold a shared vision for the lifelong learner?

A Renaissance vision of the lifelong learner is that of St Jerome in his study by Antonella da Messina. Its symbols and symmetry give the impression of secure traditions and confident, well-established practice. But what of the modern lifelong learner in this world of permanent restructuring and changing careers, of goals and practice constantly challenged or shifting?

This conference will discuss these questions and disseminate the findings of seven distributed e-learning pilot projects covering the South of England. A series of presentations and workshops will focus upon learning portals, e-portfolios, wider participation for non-traditional learners, learning design and lifelong learning activities, innovative e-learning packages, sharing services and repurposing resources across institutions, personal development planning systems and interoperability and the role of the repository.