ELAMP

The E-Learning and Mobility Project (E-LAMP) used ICT to provide enhanced independent and distance learning support for Traveler children, with the ultimate aim of improving their educational outcomes. This action research, funded by the Nuffield foundation, prompted a series of pilot projects, funded by the Department for Children, Skills and Families, and coordinated by NATT+. The initial pilots focused on providing ICT-enhanced distance learning support for pupils travelling away from their winter base-school, so that they could use the internet to keep in contact with school and to receive and submit assignments. From 2006, the project explored the potential of ICT to re-engage secondary school-age Traveler pupils who had left school or were on the fringes of schooling. In 2008, the scheme was extended to non-mobile Gypsy, Roma and Traveler pupils who would benefit from internet access to complete schoolwork.

ELAMP was a tool that produced and provided relevant learning content, which in turn compelled its use. In this way ELAMP facilitated agency and choice and addressed many of the traditional barriers to educational and digital inclusion. ELAMP equalized differences between learners in and out of school, thereby reducing divisions in education by providing access to IT equipment and the Internet. Indeed the ELAMP initiative paved the way for the Home Access project, which was a government-funded scheme to provide school children in low-income families with computers and Internet access to support their learning.

Context: The children of Irish Travelers, a historically nomadic group, experience difficulties in mainstream education. This is due to their mobile lifestyles and high exclusion rates, meaning they either move schools very often or do not attend school very much. Attainment among these groups is consistently the lowest of all minority ethnic groups in the UK.
Historically, paper-based work packs were provided to Traveler children by their winter schools (since they remain in one place for the winter). The ELAMP project was set up to fill the gaps left by government spending cuts to the education system designed to ensure educational continuity was offered to Traveler children as they moved between different Local Authorities. The project chose to provide digital learning opportunities for less mobile Travellers as it was felt that they would benefit from having a laptop and Internet access in their homes also. Indeed, it was hoped that by including these families digitally would improve children’s engagement with formal education. ELAMP focused upon improving the learning experiences and achievements of Travelers in education. ELAMP also provided families with IT equipment and Internet connectivity, which reduced their digital exclusion and in doing so also reduced their social exclusion.

Stakeholders involved: National Association of Traveler Teachers; Department for Children, Skills and Training; Nuffield Trust; European Federation for the Education of Occupational Travelers

Key learning points: Demonstrates the flexibility required to engage marginalised groups, and how digital inclusion can be brought to those excluded from mainstream society

Evaluation: Yes

Information sources: None.

Read the full analysis: http://hdl.handle.net/10547/279479