Provision of Virtual Learning Environment - AWARD

Workers` Educational Association are currently out to tender for the provision of a Virtual learning Environment Suppliers that would like to take part in this tender process are invited to 'express an interest' upon which will be given access to the full tendering documentation through this e-tendering system.

Please see 'Additional information' on how to apply for this contract. please allow sufficient time to make your return as late returns will not be permitted.

Any questions relating to this tender should be made via correspondence on the In-tend website.

Tender description: One of WEAs strategic objectives and priorities is to better integrate digital into its teaching and learning to improve the education quality and experience and to make sure that the WEA continues to remain relevant and up to date and attract a diverse range of students in today's ever increasing technological world.

The WEA has had a VLE (Weave) previously, which was primarily focussed on staff.

There was a fairly low take up of Weave, anecdotally in part due to low promotion, time, and lack of development to expand its content and features, as well as it being very difficult for users and developers.

Several tests have already been completed with an online learning or digital approach to delivering a course, most notably with the use of Zoom the WEA's teleconferencing facility, which have proved to be very successful, and a trial of online learning using Zoom and the flexible bulletin board Padlet.

There is a need to continue to develop a digital approach to learning, including blended, online and taster courses, tutor and student forums and sharing spaces, including access to file repository (could be outside the VLE) and tools to support course planning, the ability for students to upload their own materials, and track their progress and for digital learning to become fully integrated as part of the WEA's provision going forwards.

The promise of digital gives us opportunities to be together in ways we have never been able to before, building education communities in digital ways.

Our vision of a VLE is a stable platform enabling us to deliver and manage education; communicate within a teaching community which can develop and share resources; deliver teaching and training in ways which enable students to work collaboratively and link with groups of interest; support the Membership of the WEA as volunteers.

There needs to be a phased implementation to enable the WEA to continue to learn and understand the best approach for different audiences.

The initial scope of this project will focus on students as the primary recipients of the learning, and must support the need to attract new students to the WEA.

The project recognises that this is only achievable as long as tutors are able easily to engage and use the VLE and find it a useful source for sharing of best practice and ideas, since tutors will be the ...