|
The ALISON Educating Together Programme (AET) recently introduced by Southampton Libraries has been receiving an enthusiastic response from learners. The programme incorporates tailored programmes built around the free ALISON ABC IT courseware and free access to the ALISON LMS (ALISON Manager).
|
Commenting on the success of the programme to date, Alison Connolly, Learning Centre Manager, Southampton Central Library stated:
“The extent to which learners enjoy their ALISON courses is evidence that the courses are pitched at the right level and that the programme is clear and easy to follow. All of our registered learners agree that it is a really useful tool in helping to learn the basics of using a computer for pleasure, or to help with everyday life regardless of previous IT experience. Learners feel a real sense of achievement when they receive a high score at the end of a lesson. Our aim is to make online learning available where residents find it most convenient, where possible the learning should be free or low-cost to those in receipt of benefits or a state pension.” The AET programme makes a suite of high-quality interactive IT skills training courseware and a complementary online learner management system available to third-party training organisations, all completely free. The participating organisations benefit by being able to generate income from the programme which will help them to sustain their own programmes promoting IT literacy in their locality. Organisations that successfully apply to become AET Programme Partners are allowed to charge a nominal fee for the learning service, which they are entitled to keep in full.
The IT skills certification provided is the complete learning content of ALISON ABC IT which covers basic computing concepts, desktop applications and practical IT skills such as touch typing. Through AET, ALISON offers a highly cost-efficient way to raise basic IT skills and awareness locally. Also through AET, ALISON offers the opportunity for AET Programme Partners to co-brand certificates and merchandise through their engagement in the programme, popularising local learning and breaking down the ‘digital divide’.
AET Programme Partners will also share equally in income resulting from the provision of official co-branded parchment certificates, or ALISON graduate merchandise such as T-shirts or Hoodies. All learners achieving an assessment average of 80% or more in their completed ALISON course are entitled to online certification; and official printed parchment certificates are available to purchase.
Continuing, Alison Connolly stated: “Learners with low level IT skills are encouraged to visit the learning centre until they have acquired good basic mouse and keyboard skills and are able to navigate confidently around the ALISON site and access their learning independently. Virtual learners are encouraged to come into the centre at least once a month for support and encouragement and also to review their progress.
The learning centre uses AET in conjunction with other learning to provide a tailored programme for each learner. Currently ALISON courses play a huge part in that we are able to offer IT courses to those learners who are unable to pay a contribution to their learning, effectively giving them a wider choice.
There is also an increasing awareness among our partners of the value of the learning centre which can offer courses to improve the skills of the local workforce. Southampton City Council has recently signed the skills pledge and is co-coordinating a pathways to learning programme which will include the library learning centre. We are working with a local college to help progress their learners who have reached the end of a programme with the college and are actively looking for employment. These learners are offered ALISON courses.”
Background
Southampton Central Library and its 10 community libraries are situated close to the areas of highest deprivation in the city of Southampton .Southampton Libraries wished to make online learning available to their users in the most convenient locations and at the lowest possible cost to local residents. They also wished to ensure their available funds were used in the most effective way. They have recently been delivering the ALISON Educating Together Programme AET in partnership with ALISON. AET is an IT skills programme designed to allow libraries, colleges, schools, or any organisation with a network of computers available to it to promote IT literacy in a sustainable way without the need for additional funding. Within the AET programme, organisations can earn an income while helping to promote basic IT skills training. The programme makes IT training accessible to all learners within local communities, regardless of their personal income or existing skill levels.
About ALISON
For further information about ALISON’s AET programme please click here.
|
