The SOLE project (2002-2004) investigated students' online learning experiences across five subject areas in Higher Education and two subjects in Further Education. The aim of the research was to uncover how students' experienced learning through virtual learning environments and to identify any changes in attitudes and motivation over time.

Research was carried out at 9 UK universities and 2 FE colleges, covering subjects with diverse online learning requirements. The collaborating HE subject centres involved as research partners are: Economics, Psychology, Education, Information and Computer Sciences, Hospitality, Leisure, Sport and Tourism. FE studies were undertaken in Psychology and Art & Design. (A short report giving an overview of the study is also available).

SOLE was funded by the Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE) via the Learning and Teaching Support Network (LTSN) Tranche 2 initiative and the Joint Information Systems Committee (JISC).  It is hosted at the Institute for Learning and Research Technology, University of Bristol.