London (UK), November 2007 - OpenLearn has been shortlisted in the Learning and Skills category of the eGovernment National Awards 2007. The awards highlight UK services that improve citizen and business transaction with councils, central government departments, and other public sector organisations. This year's awards focus on social inclusion and the use of innovative technology to deliver services to help the disadvantaged.
In its first year, OpenLearn has provided free access to Open University study materials to over one million learners and educators, supporting the University's mission to open up access to education for all. Working with key partners such as unionlearn, the Workers Educational Association (WEA), the Third Age Trust, and Lifelong Learning Networks, the website has been used to reach learners from under-represented groups in higher education.
Billy Khokhar, Assistant Director of Regional Collaboration and Widening Participation for the OU in Yorkshire has been using OpenLearn to introduce people to learning. He said, "We've been recently working with a group of Asian women in community centres in the region. Many of these women would be lost to the system because family, cultural, and traditional ties often make their participation at traditional campuses difficult. OpenLearn introduces and provides a flexible method of study and we work to ensure that they have the IT skills necessary to be able to continue eLearning on their own".
OpenLearn has also been used to train staff working with disadvantaged children. The Children's Workforce Network in Plymouth City Council is using OpenLearn to provide a common learning experience for a team of practitioners from different disciplines, based at over fifteen locations around the city.
Gillian Merron MP, Cabinet Office Minister with responsibility for Transformational Government said: "I would like to congratulate all the finalists in this year's e-Government National Awards on having come this far. This is a very strong set of shortlisted nominees whom I hope will inspire others and show what can be done to improve public services for more people".
Eighty-one finalists across eleven categories have been selected from over 500 nominations. Other nominees in the Learning and Skills category include the NHS in Scotland, North Eastern Education and Library Board, Welsh Assembly Government, Pembrokeshire College, Opening the Book, Gloucestershire College, and Emerson Park School.
The judging panel, headed by Government Chief Information Officer John Suffolk, includes Keith Bannister from KPMG, Rose Crozier of the Society of Information Technology Management (SOCITM), Ray Whitehouse of the London Borough of Havering, Stephen Baker of the Suffolk Coastal District Council, and Mark Armstrong of O2.
The winners will be announced on 22nd January 2008 at the Dorchester Hotel in London.
