e-learning in the Ofsted "Handbook for inspecting colleges"

Ofsted has published a revised version of its Handbook for inspecting colleges.

"This version of the handbook has been updated following the formation of the new Ofsted, which incorporates the former Adult Learning Inspectorate and the former Ofsted. It also reflects the outcomes of the consultation on the future of further education inspections conducted in January 2007. The supplement (September 2006) to the previous version of the handbook (May 2006) has been integrated into this document."

Here is the short section relating to e-learning, unchanged since at least 2006:

"E-learning

257. E-learning is learning facilitated and supported through the use of technology. It may involve the use of computers, interactive whiteboards, digital cameras, the internet, the college intranet, virtual learning environments and electronic communication tools such as email, discussion boards, chat facilities and video conferencing. E-learning should form part of the overall teaching and learning strategy for courses. There should be appropriate references to e-learning in schemes of work, lesson plans, assignments, course reviews and staff development plans. An overall strategy for e-learning should be supported by senior managers. Effective e-learning should:

• improve learners’ understanding of topics or activities that are part of their academic or vocational programme;
• improve their skills and their knowledge of the technology being used;
• help to maintain their interest in their programme.

258. In particular, inspectors will evaluate whether:

• staff and learners have the relevant IT skills to make good use of e-learning facilities;
• there are adequate resources for e-learning;
• the quality and effectiveness of e-learning is well monitored;
• there are appropriate opportunities for learners to use e-learning facilities outside scheduled lessons."

There is a pretty striking mismatch between what inspectors will evaluate (in paragraph 258) and how e-learning is described (in paragraph 257); and I'd love to read an explanation of how, in formal terms, inspectors "evaluate whether the quality and effectiveness of e-learning is well monitored". Finally, there is a traditional emphasis on "IT skills", alongside silence on anything like "Internet literacy".

[With thanks to Marion Green of St Helen's College for highlighting this.]