E-learning for adult literacy, language and numeracy: a case study of a polytechnic

7. Conclusion

This case study research of a large urban polytechnic in New Zealand provides a rich description of a tertiary educational institution intent on using e-learning in ways that successfully support adults needing to develop their literacy, language and numeracy (LLN) skills. Our accounts of the initiatives the polytechnic has taken thus far to achieve this aim show senior and middle managers working strategically and collaboratively to embed LLN provision, via e-learning activities, into the polytechnic’s foundation and trades courses.

More specifically, the study illustrates the challenges and benefits of e-learning for adults seeking to develop their LLN skills and/or proficiency in English as a second or other language (ESOL). Nested within the story of the polytechnic are descriptions of how five programmes use information and communication technologies for LLN and ESOL purposes. The study also includes accounts of how the polytechnic has developed its learning support services to accommodate these programme advances and of the professional development that staff receive to help them use these technologies for LLN and ESOL teaching and learning.

Finally, the case study illustrates and often supports the findings of this project’s literature review (Davis et al., 2010). A synthesis of these findings and the findings of all other components of our research can be read in our summary report (Davis and Fletcher, 2010, available on the Education Counts website).