Directorates
·	Director General's Office
·	Data Development
·	Strategic Evaluations
·	Partnership and Continuous Evaluations
Publications
·	Evaluation Reports
·	Evaluation Briefs
·	Labour Market Development Agreement Series
·	Lessons Learned Series
·	Evaluation Tool Kit Series
·	Evaluation Forum Newsletter
·	From Theory To Practice

Management believes that the summative evaluation has identified the importance of the Office of Learning Technologies (OLT) in supporting the development and upgrading of learning and technical skills through technologies. The evaluation indicated that OLT contributes to the development and use of learning technologies by designated equity groups. It highlighted the singularity of the program in linking learning technologies with non-institutional learning, while maintaining an overall program focus of knowledge and skills enhancement for innovation.

The evaluation also identified challenges facing the program. Among those challenges primarily was the need to recast the broad over-reaching objective of the program (i.e. to reduce the economic and social divide between those who have computer skills and those who do not) in keeping with the program's limited budget.

Management agrees with the need to put in place program controls to minimize the risk that funds leveraged by OLT projects are not incremental, and to safeguard against overlap and duplication of funds. The program is standardizing the practice of requiring potential recipients to confirm other sources of proposed funding prior to approving a contribution. Applicants must provide a statement when completing funding application forms.

It was observed that OLT should attempt to increase its reach of equity groups such as Aboriginal communities, young mothers and English as Second Language populations. This issue is being addressed in the current call for proposals which gives priority to projects focusing on Aboriginal groups. Subsequent calls for proposals will be constructed in a manner to give priority to designated equity groups based on an identified need.

Management agrees with the concern expressed in the report about the need for better outcome tracking at the end-user level. The requirement for end-user data collection will be included in the new Results Based Management Accountability Framework. The program will work in partnership with Evaluation and Data Development (HRDC) and consult both with Treasury Board and stakeholders to ensure that an appropriate framework is put in place.

More support from OLT to sponsors in the area of partnership development was recommended. OLT is planning to organize partnership development sessions for new sponsors. The sessions will cover the issue of partnership development and maintenance with a view to encouraging the establishment of mutually beneficial relationships in pursuing a common goal.

A finding of the evaluation was that staff turnover and staffing levels have impacted the program. In November 2001, the program began a business improvement process to address a number of staff and organizational issues. As a result of that process, additional project officers have been hired and trained. Learning plans and working tools were also created to facilitate their role. The number of files each project officer is responsible for has been reduced by 50-60 percent. Staff turnover is now within acceptable norms.

The dissemination of best practices and lessons learned will be expanded through regional forums and the publication of an annual report reviewing emerging practices. A policy discussion involving experts is also being considered.

Delays in receiving OLT funding (especially in the transition between the developmental and the pilot phase) were identified as problematic for projects and can result in project slowdowns, loss of interest and potential withdrawal of partners. OLT has reviewed and streamlined the evaluation and approval process in place.

Human Resources Development Canada (HRDC) management would like to thank those individuals who participated in the evaluation of the Office of Learning Technologies (OLT).