Assessing the potential of e-learning to support re-engagement amongst young people

This BECTA study highlights a range of systemic aspects concerned with supporting young people who are not in education, employment or training (NEET) and suggests a number of improvements in systems and practices. The research has also identifies some gaps in the data for this group and highlights the need for more information in order to ascertain the size and nature of the ‘NEET problem’.

Key points:
- the population of young people who are NEET is far from homogenous and includes a wide range of young people including those with serious problems, those who lack skills, those who have poor relationships and attitudes, as well as gap year students and those who are simply temporarily between courses or jobs.
- There is a clear case that ICT has a place in supporting young people 16- to 18-years-old who are NEET. However, the development of the implementation of appropriate support practices will not be simple. It is made more difficult because of the wide variety of differences that exist across the population of young people who are NEET. No single ‘one size fits all’ solution will be effective.