How Do i set up a learning Area?

General View of the Tourism Learning Area Implementation Process:

The overall process of setting up a learning area involves three main steps, namely, initiation, coordination and development . This will involve:

An initiator to get the ball rolling
Identification of stakeholders who have an interest in developing learning mechanisms
Establishing a coordination process for stakeholders to act collectively
Profiling the TLA learning offers and requirements
Developing a work programme that involves developing a web Portal to bring stakeholder networks together
Monitoring your progress

Each Tourism Learning Area will start with someone or some organisation acting as the initiator of the process . The initiator first of all identifies their potential Learning Area's:

level of territorial or thematic interest (ie a local destination, region, subject matter)
the range of stakeholders who could be interested (cross-sector, multi-level, multi-stakeholder)
Existing Learning Experience Market-Places (Learning Centres, information distribution systems)

This will constitute the first informal profiling of their Tourism Learning Area. The initiator will develop this profile in a presentable format, and disseminate the information widely.

Once a number of key stakeholders have been made aware of the process and its potential, the initiator will need to call stakeholder working meeting to define the existing situation in order to arrive at a loose network of cooperating organisations .At this stage the initiator can register their interest in setting up a Learning Area with DG Enterprise. A coordination process should be defined a this point, with the development of an initial working programme .

It will also be necessary for stakeholders to conceptualise how all the local links can then be made between all the theoretical elements of the learning area approach, using the Tourism Learning Area Model of Excellence . This will demonstrate the potential connectivity between stakeholders from a previously random set of interactions.

The coordinator then maps these elements as networks. This will produce a complex matrix of interactions that require coherent linkages. This can be done by developing a practical and functional Tourism Learning Area Network Portal . This will provide a visual map of the Tourism Learning Area in question, displaying both a marketing place for leaning experiences, and defining a knowledge network for information exchange.

A planning and reporting process on how the pubic and private governance of the system can be re-organized to optimize human resource potential development for the Learning Area can be managed by the coordination body. This will lead to evaluation and development of the Area's learning experience resource base and its learning offers. Progress of the development of the Learning Area should then be continually monitored through a series of process and performance indicators . At this stage the initiative can receive full recognition from DG Enterprise as being a Tourism Learning Area .

Diagram from 'How to Set up Tourism Learning Areas', available from DG Enterprise Tourism Unit 2005

A CHECKLIST OF HOW TO SET UP A TOURISM LEARNING AREA

(also available as downloadable pdf: 31kb)

Please use this list literally as a check list to keep you on track with the process. Tick the boxes as you complete each activity.

Phase I (Initiation)

Understand the concept and definition

Consider your needs, and the possibilities of how to apply this concept to your destination or subject area

Do a brief informal survey to gain a preliminary profile of stakeholders, existing activities and identify the PLA boundaries (geographical area or thematic area)

Prepare explanatory material to disseminate the Learning Area concept in you own language (stating the concept, business case, needs, etc...)

Develop Multi level contact lists and key stakeholders

Create awareness and interest, make contacts, disseminate material, calling for a working meeting (NB timing is important here !, ..)

This marks the end of the initiation phase. Now the process moves towards a more collective framework, where several organisations need to cooperate.

Phase II (coordination)

(at the working meeting . ) Identify and agree on a co-ordinating body or partner from key stakeholders

At this stage the initiator can register their interest in setting up a Learning Area with DG Enterprise.

Establish a working group

Develop a work plan, identify resources and support

Draw up a comprehensive stakeholder lists of Learning Experience providers

Draw up a comprehensive stakeholder list of potential Learning Experience Clients

Draw up list of examples of learning experiences relevant to region (gap analysis, best practice)

Develop a website as a forum and multiple market place central information point

Develop, agree and sign a simple protocol of collaboration (open access/participation)

You will by this stage have set up your Tourism Learning Area coordination structure.
The next phase involves using this structure to execute specific actions.

Phase III (development)

Draw up an in-depth regional profile

Develop an operational framework (goals, partnership commitments, meeting schedules, events ) including a list of practical activities

At this stage the initiative can receive full recognition from DG Enterprise as being a Tourism Learning Area .

Monitor Learning Area Progress

Congratulations! . Your Learning Area is up and running .