Telstar: Technology Enhanced Support for Learning and Training Accreditation Recognition Project

The TELSTAR project came to a close on 31st March 2011.

The University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) was awarded funding by The Joint Information Systems Committee (JISC) for a project that supported the personal and professional development of work-based learners (WBL) in obtaining higher level qualifications. The project is called TELSTAR and it worked closely with UCLan and The Life Long Learning Network (LLLN) to provide work-based learning solutions for employers and employees in the Northwest of England.

For information about work-based learning and the courses that TELSTAR have developed visit the webportal

How was the funding used?

The funding supported the development of a learning framework that encompassed existing HE level qualifications but also provided systems and processes to accredit employers own in-house courses, assess and accredit employees prior learning (both certificated and experiential), accredit learning providers courses and provide opportunities for accredited work-based negotiated learning contracts.
The learning framework enables employees to gain credits towards a qualification through a variety of routes and not only traditional HE delivered courses. The framework  provides flexibility for employers to develop their staff but also to meet the needs of the organization by linking work activities to a supporting theoretical framework.   The TELSTAR project focuses on higher level qualifications at level 4 and above. 

The project has:

• Designed and developed an online Learning Framework
• Designed and developed a Credit Recognition expert system
• Designed and developed an Accreditation of Prior Learning Expert System
• Implemented an e-portfolio tool for content delivery, negotiated learning and assisting with the APL process
• Created mobile learning solutions allowing WBLs to access learning material via their mobile phones
• Created Open Educational Resources (OERs) in Study Skills and Personal and Professional Development to support work based learners
• Provided a learning community that offers an online social network with opportunities for peer mentoring and sharing of professional practice
• Implemented a web portal providing access to project outputs

Who was involved?

The project was run by Lancashire Business School within the University of Central Lancashire. The project has also worked with various professional bodies, the Lifelong Learning Networks in the North West and the NWDA.