E-Learning in the New Security Environment

The global security environment has changed dramatically during the last fifteen years and new security conditions have created a need for new defence and security solutions. Nowhere is this more obvious than in the area of education and training.

New defence and security systems are increasingly linked to e-networks. The United States, for example, is developing a multi-billion dollar, network-centric security and defence package, linking its communications, intelligence-gathering and operational capabilities in a single system. Such systems will revolutionise the nature of defence not only for the United States but also for its allies. The need for e-learning and online training in the military and defence sector has never been greater.

The new security environment also means that there is a growing need for security-related e-learning and online training packages in many areas of civil society. Security awareness among employees, for example, can be greatly enhanced by appropriate corporate intranet programmes. Increasingly, the corporate world is realising that it is very much part of the new security environment and that e-learning can play an important role in developing new security solutions.

"Education is a vital part of new security solutions", explains Forum Director, Dr Harold Elletson.

In an interview with Online Educa, Dr Harold Elletson, Director of The New Security Foundation points out the importance of education in the ongoing discussions about procurement, and how best to address the assymetric threats the world faces in the current security environment.

"These new security conditions have created a need for new defence and security solutions. Nowhere is this more obvious than in the area of education and training. I believe that, in all the debate about procurement for the new security environment, nothing is as important as education. Education is a vital part of new security solutions, not only in the form of training for the use of sophisticated new technology but also, for example, as the key to raising security awareness and, ultimately, as the only effective method of eradicating the conditions that breed terrorism and other threats to modern society," commented Dr Elletson in the interview.

"In the military sector, new defence and security systems are increasingly linked to e-networks. Such systems will revolutionize defence systems for the United States and its allies. The need for e-learning and online training in the military and defence sector has never been greater, but there is also a growing need for online training to reinforce security awareness and preparedness in civil society. Online gaming and simulation are also increasingly important in the new security environment, allowing police and emergency services, among others, to plan and train without the costs of deployment."



The E-Learning for Defence and Security Forum will be hosted by the New Security Foundation of the Centre for Defence and International Security Studies (CDISS).

The New Security Foundation promotes dialogue about the nature of the new international security environment and its implications. The Programme brings together experts from a range of different backgrounds and disciplines to contribute to the discussion of new security issues through conferences, seminars and training programmes, research projects and publications.

For more information about corporate or individual membership of The New Security Foundation, please telephone +44 (0)1491 412209
or email info@newsecurityfoundation.org

About Online Educa

Online Educa attracts over 1700 participants from more than 66 countries representing all continents, and thus is the world's largest international e-learning conference. Delegates are high-level decision makers from education, business and government - the three key areas driving e-learning adoption and innovation, which makes it the most important networking venue for experts, practitioners and newcomers from all over the world. It is the largest gathering of e-learning and distance education professionals in Europe, enabling participants to develop multinational and cross-industry contacts & partnerships, as well as to enhance their knowledge, expertise, and abilities.

Online Educa also features the work of more than 367 speakers from 43 countries, addressing all forms of technology enhanced learning and includes a rich mix of themes, topics and a variety of session formats. It
is accompanied by an exhibition and demonstration area where leading international e-learning manufacturers, suppliers and service providers present their latest products and services, which participants have come to value as a central meeting point within the conference.

The conference is preceded by a full-day programme of workshops conducted by leading e-learning practitioners. These small, intensive sessions offer attendees a unique opportunity to fine-tune their skills and acquire new ones. The programme also features a number of special events that take place alongside the conference, such as product launches, special interest group get-togethers, sponsored workshops, best practice showcases and meetings.