Deputy Minister for Skills, John Griffiths on his recent visit to Coleg Gwent.
Assembly Member for Aberavon, Dr Brian Gibbons visiting Cwmafan library.
Assembly Members log onto learning throughout Wales
A number of AMs in Wales have visited local libraries and learning centres to find out how online learning provider, learndirect can help local people gain essential skills and qualifications.
learndirect aims to break down barriers to learning by offering a flexible approach to studying. Whether for work or personal fulfilment, learners can access their courses from any computer linked to the internet – at home, at work or at a learndirect centre - and progress at a pace to suit them.
Coleg Gwent, Newport
Deputy Skills Minister, John Griffiths called into Coleg Gwent to see first hand how individuals are logging on to the internet to improve their English skills with the help of Coleg Gwent and online learning provider, learndirect.
Coleg Gwent is one of a network of learndirect learning centres throughout Wales. learndirect courses are delivered through Coleg Gwent in community venues, in the workplace and within the College.
John Griffiths said: "The partnership between Coleg Gwent and learndirect represents an excellent model for training providers and demonstrates how new technology can be utilised effectively to make learning accessible and close skills gaps across Wales. We need to give learners as much encouragement as possible and breaking down the barriers that people face is vital."
Parc Prison, Bridgend
Peter Black, Assembly Member for South West Wales visited Parc Prison and said: "The partnership between Parc Prison and learndirect demonstrates how new technology can be utilised effectively to engage individuals from a variety of backgrounds in lifelong learning. It has been good to see what learning opportunities are available to inmates and it is very encouraging to see so many taking advantage of the learning programmes on offer and improving their skills to strengthen their employment prospects upon leaving."
E learning Manager at Parc Prison, Sean Yarranton said: "Prisoners are encouraged to follow learndirect courses on e-learning pods placed throughout the prison wings. Prisoners can do their learning in their free time, without missing out on other structured activities and can choose from a wide range of courses offered by learndirect.
Online learning is new to many of our learners and it has a number of benefits for us here at Parc Prison. Individuals can take a fresh approach to learning, free from the baggage of past learning experiences. The flexibility of learndirect is a key strength, enabling learners to progress at their own pace and convenience and continue with their learning upon release".
Cwmafan library, Neath Port Talbot
Cwmafan library is one of a network of libraries throughout the Neath Port Talbot Borough which offers a range of online courses through learndirect and Neath Port Talbot College. The College works in partnership with learndirect to offer computer-based courses and qualifications covering basic skills, IT, and business and management.
During a visit to Cwmafan library, Aberavon Assembly Member Dr. Brian Gibbons saw the benefits of using the internet for learning and said: "The partnership between Neath Port Talbot College, the library services, and learndirect is a good example of community learning and shows how new technology can be utilised effectively to maintain interest in lifelong learning. We need to give learners as much encouragement as possible and breaking down the barriers that people face is vital. It has been good to see what is available to local people and it is very encouraging to see so many taking advantage of these opportunities to learn and improve their skills."
Andrew motor-vates his learners and wins e-tutor award
Andrew Evans has been a tutor/driver on Bridgend Libraries Cyberlink bus delivering IT skills, basic numeracy and literacy for the last five years.
He has introduced 3-week Cyberskills sessions, and introduction to IT, and follows them up by signing people up for learndirect courses. Indeed, most of his students have now signed up to these online courses, but Andrew continues to motivate and help them.
Andrew has delivered this service on his own for 18 months carrying on under difficult circumstances – continuing to inspire his students to carry on learning and encouraging many more to take the first step back into learning. He started his career in adult learning as a part-time tutor at Swansea College, eventually securing a full-time position at Aberdare College. From here Andrew re-trained via distance learning and became a freelance IT trainer, working with a range of organisations including the South Wales Fire Service, the Welsh Assembly Government and the DVLA.
He says, "I´d got to the point where I was meeting people through the freelance work, but wasn´t able to build up a rapport with them as I was training different people all the time, and consequently I never saw the end results or any of their achievements. This job allows me to work closely with learners in the community which I really enjoy, and it provides me with the satisfaction of seeing people progress and break down barriers that have prevented them from learning new skills." Andrew won learndirect´s e-tutor award at the recent NIACE Dysgu Cymru Tutor Awards Ceremony.