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file, but here is the information anyway Jean

FOR LEARNING PROVIDERS IN SCOTLAND


In this update:

1. E-Learning Courseware
SUfI concludes strategic partnerships as Scottish distributor for NETg and
PLATO e-learning content.

2. Integrated Learning System
Leading-edge on-line system – powered by Saba – now in development for
Scotland, following worldwide selection process.

3. Scotland’s Learning Helpline
Demand for information and advice well ahead of expectations.

4. learndirectscotland.com
Over 500,000 page impressions registered since site launched on 16 October
2000.

5. National Learning Opportunities Database
Database contents rise 24%, to 61,000.

6. National Learning Centre Network
How to join the rapidly growing learndirect scotland quality branded
network of customer-focused learning centres.

7. Capital Modernisation Fund
First learning centre development grants confirmed, totalling £1.78m.

8. Individual Learning Accounts
50,000 account-holder milestone reached in record time, as 400 Scottish
learning providers capitalise on scheme.






Remember to look out for additional news and information
on any of these topics at www.scottishufi.com


1. E-LEARNING COURSEWARE – NETg & PLATO

SUfI have concluded strategic partnership agreements with two leading
international content providers, PLATO and NETg, to act as sole
distributors to the education and small business sectors in Scotland.  By
purchasing on a national scale, we are now able to offer all Scottish
learning providers significant advantages, relative to existing pricing
schedules, for top quality e-learning courseware by Maxim and Xebec, as
well as NETg and PLATO.

Naturally we wish to reassure existing NETg and PLATO customers that they
will continue to have access to the full range of high quality learning
materials.  We also look forward to working with our many partners, both
public and private sector, to extend availability of these products to many
more learners, throughout Scotland.  Negotiations are also underway with
various other content providers and we will seek to keep you updated on
further developments.

Our full range of NETg, Maxim and Xebec content is available now, on CD-
ROM, while PLATO materials are available now for installation to any
appropriate stand-alone PC or network.  On-line delivery will become
available over the next few months, in conjunction with the new SUfI
Integrated Learning System (see below).

Further information, quotes and orders: please contact our sales team, on
0141 285 6046 e-mail: [log in to unmask]


2. INTEGRATED LEARNING SYSTEM

Development of the new, SUfI Integrated Learning System is now underway, in
partnership with Saba.  Following an in-depth review of global market
leaders, it is evident that Saba is a clear leader in the field of multi-
functional, on-line learning delivery, tracking and management.  The full
system will also offer users a wide range of human resource assessment and
development tools.  Saba-based systems are already proving their worth in
many countries, from Norway to Australia and we look forward to working to
develop the optimum solution for Scottish learning providers and businesses.

Further information:
- technical: Ian Bird, Implementation Manager.
 Tel: 0141 285 6022 e-mail: [log in to unmask]

- sales: Please contact our sales team on 0141 285 6046
e-mail: [log in to unmask]


3. SCOTLAND’S LEARNING HELPLINE

With no little trepidation, SUfI accepted the challenge of increasing
annual helpline enquiries from the previous three-year high of 26,000 calls
to a massive 120,000 calls – a five-fold increase.  Driven by carefully
targeted advertising across press, radio and television, backed by direct
marketing and widespread PR activities, the helpline is now averaging 6,000
calls per week – enough to pass the annual target well ahead of schedule,
if momentum can be maintained.  A variety of learning providers are now
reporting a clear uplift in their own enquiries, as a result of referrals
from the helpline.


Further information: Kate Turnbull,  Marketing Executive.
Tel: 0141 285 6045 e-mail: [log in to unmask]


4. learndirect scotland.com

In tandem with the helpline service, SUfI’s consumer web site,
www.learndirectscotland.com, continues to grow in popularity, with 581,000
page impressions recorded since the site launched last October.  Most
popular parts of the site are the learning opportunities search, news and
funding sections.  Content and functionality is continually reviewed, based
on feedback from learning providers and end-users, so please let us know if
you have any comments or suggestions, or if you have any news items you
would like publicised on the site.

Further information:
- site design and development: Raine Davidson, Marketing Manager Tel:
0141 285 6043 e-mail: [log in to unmask]

- news items: Martin Osler, Public Relations Manager
Tel: 0141 285 6042 e-mail: [log in to unmask]


5. NATIONAL LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES DATABASE

The all-inclusive database that underpins all referrals made via the
learndirect scotland helpline and web site has grown 24% over the past 12
months, to a record 61,000 individual learning opportunities, available
across Scotland.  More than 1,600 education and training providers are now
taking advantage of this unique marketing vehicle.

The data collection process is being streamlined and improved, whether by
paper-based or electronic submission.  We are happy to work with learning
partners to find the best route for you and hope to add on-line, direct
provider input by summer 2001.

Further information: Sandy Smith, Learning Information Manager.
Tel: 0141 285 6092 e-mail: [log in to unmask]


6. NATIONAL LEARNING CENTRE NETWORK

76 learning centres have now been branded as part of the learndirect
scotland national learning centre network.  These centres span a remarkably
wide range of sectors, from voluntary organisations to in-company centres,
further education and private training providers. All share the key
characteristics of a fully customer-focused outlook; a flexible range of
learning provision; ability to connect to on-line learning and learner
tracking; and – most importantly – provision of high quality learner
support, in line with the learndirect scotland Pledge to Learners.

Further information: Claire Morris, Quality & Customer Care Officer
Tel: 0141 285 6054 e-mail: [log in to unmask]

7. CAPITAL MODERINSATION FUND

The first grant offers have recently been made under the £8 million Capital
Modernisation Fund.  Administered by SUfI, on behalf of the Scottish
Executive, the scheme provides grants of between £1,000 and £100,000 for
the creation or improvement of learning centres, which must commit to
becoming part of the branded learndirect scotland network.

Grant offers to date total £1.78m and the scheme continues through the 2001-
2002 financial year, so applications are still welcome.  Eligible claims
should focus on IT and telecommunications (such as bandwidth, servers, PCs)
and software, including office administration packages and e-learning
materials.  Refurbishment costs may also be considered.

Further information: Janice Gray, CMF Case Manager
Tel: 0141 285 6063 e-mail: [log in to unmask]


8. INDIVIDUAL LEARNING ACCOUNTS

Demand for ILAs continues to run well ahead of expectation with a total of
61,000 accounts now opened in Scotland.  402 learning providers – from a
wide variety of backgrounds – are now registered under the scheme.

SUfI’s learndirect scotland helpline continues as the focal point for first-
time enquiries.  During the coming year SUfI, with its partners, will
intensify follow-up promotion to the 75% of account holders who have yet to
commence active learning.  We will also continue to work with learning
providers to maintain and update eligible course details, through the
national learning opportunities database. This in turn is used by the
Individual Learning Account Centre, operated by Capita, to administer draw-
down of course funding.

Further information:
- to register as an ILA provider:  please contact learndirect
scotland dataservices. Tel: 0141 285 6100
e-mail: [log in to unmask]

- general queries: Sandy Smith, Learning Information Manager.
Tel: 0141 285 6092    e-mail: [log in to unmask]