Welcome | Mapping the Maze | Learning Direct Database Services | Learning Direct Helpline Services | Metropolitan Area Networks and Wide Area Networks | University for Industry | Implementing the Vision Learning Direct Database Services Peter Bradbrook, NTICS, and Denny Collie, DCA Peter Bradbrook began this session by referring back to ALTSU's 10th anniversary conference in Scarborough in 1996. At that time there was much discussion on the National Database. NTICS were about to release the NLI-CD. It was top of the agenda then and now centre stage with the launch of Learning Direct. The Learning Direct Database Services contract had now been signed and this was to be the focus of this presentation. "This session is designed to provide information on LDDS. In particular we wish to explain:- who is involved what is in the contract and what is in it for you when things will happen Who is involved? - The Consortium The bid to run the LDDS contract was put together by three key players in the field of national learning information delivery - National Training Information Central Support (NTICS), Denny Collie Associates (DCA) and Guildford Educational Services (GES). The three principal contractors have also identified a range of partners who all had extensive and relevant experience and skills to bring to Learning Direct. These are: ECCTIS 2000 Choices in Childcare (CHIC) Sanderson CBT ADSET What? So, what's actually going to happen? Speaking to people over the last few months it is clear that there are a number of misconceptions surrounding LDDS - perhaps not helped by the delays in the contract details being finalised. We therefore thought it would be useful to outline precisely what is involved in the contract. The key components also provide the key to what benefits BSS, the TEC community and the TAP network could expect to see in return for their participation and support. The first two components are concerned with the development of new standards to promote:- the consistency in the content and presentation of learning opportunities across the UK an enhanced classification system closely allied to the needs of database managers and users There are a range of databases which we hope will emerge from this work including: UK Learning Opportunities Within the lifespan of this contract (3 years) we intend to produce a fully comprehensive and coherent UK Learning database - a hitherto unattainable goal for all of us. This will require a lot of patience. We do not underestimate the size and the scope of the task ahead and we know what the issues are: under-funded information services inconsistent data collection services across some of our regions varying quality of data incompatible databases and software geographic gaps in data provision the shifting policy framework etc But if we work together on this we will reach our objective and it is worth emphasising that the ultimate beneficiaries will be our users - the public and employers. Obviously, Learning Opportunities is the key database but there are also a number of other supporting databases:- OFL-CD: the open and flexible learning materials database - This was first published a year ago and is to be enhanced, updated and expanded for Learning Direct. Sources of Finance for Learners Guidance Services for Adults These latter two, it should be stressed, are signpost databases and will be designed to allow BSS helpline advisers to point people towards sources of help in these areas." At this point Peter handed over to Denny Collie of DCA Ltd who addressed the LINX software. "Turning to the LINX software, I need to stress a couple of points:- a) LINX is a centralised helpline system b) it is not in itself a new database but a system that captures and displays other databases LINX will provide: access via a common interface to all the databases mentioned above the ability to interrogate these databases direct, by by-passing any pre-existing enquiry interfaces, thus speeding up searching considerably automatic statistics collection across all data sets automatic client tracking and usage recording Although not as yet part of the LDDS contract, I thought I should mention SCOTIA to you:- SCOTIA 1 - in use in Scotland, Northern Ireland, Cumbria and Derby SCOTIA 2 - the replacement for Espial DCA is currently completing the SCOTIA 2 software and it is not envisaged that the conversion process will be too onerous. Initially we will be training the field testers and there is a proposal to train all other TECs/TAP Agencies over the latter part of 1998 and 1999. It is likely that there will be one free training place per TEC/TAP and there will be further communication on this issue soon." Denny concluded with a detailed examination of the range of services that TECs and TAPs could expect to access freely through the Learning Direct initiative. "The initiative will make available:- clearer usable standards and real help and support for their implementation at a local level central data collection, in particular for open learning and major national providers of training - this would enable database managers to rationalise their data collection activity; cutting down on data duplication and therefore maximising available resources an enhanced classification system based on Superclass II and central maintenance of authority files up to four free copies per TEC every six months of Learning Direct CD-ROM, which would incorporate all UK learning opportunities and the open and flexible (OFL) database new software - in commissioning DCA Ltd, under a separate agreement to develop SCOTIA 2 for England and Wales the DfEE would be able to provide TECs with a royalty free licence to use this database management software with both the needs of local information services and those of Learning Direct in mind. mechanisms for TECs' involvement in driving software and standards work forward a web site, within the Department's Lifelong Learning site, with up to the minute information on learning Direct - a further development which offers the opportunity for real participation in the evolution of Learning Direct." At this point Denny handed back to Peter When? "Turning to the question of WHEN, I would stress that this is a 3 year contract but there are key milestones which include:- Contract signing: with a formal agreement in place, the system development work can now start in earnest. Of course, it should be pointed out that much preparatory work has already been completed. LINX Phase 1 (A) Database maintenance software for childcare, funding and guidance databases. This is expected to come on stream in about three months. LINX Phase 1 (B) All the principal data sets including the new learning opportunities database which will be simultaneously released on CD-ROM. This will happen towards the end of 1998. LINX Phase 2 - the final release version will be available to Learning Direct in the first few months of 1999." Peter concluded by extending an invitation to delegates to get involved with the LDDS initiative. "Delegates may get involved: by feeding information and comments direct to us or via your regional groups or ALTSU representatives via User Group activity - the SCOTIA 2 User Group, the LINX Focus Group and, of course, existing User Groups for Standards and Classification." At this point Peter handed over to Lindsey Muir of BSS in Manchester for her contribution to this section of the conference.