Back to Basics with UK online centres and unionlearn

With the support of UK online centres and unionlearn, more and more trade union learning centres with the support of their union learning representatives (ULRs) are engaging hard-to-reach learners into the world of ICT* through Online basics and Myguide.

Online basics (http://www.onlinebasics.co.uk/) is a suite of five free courses developed by UK online centres:

• Starting with a keyboard,
• Starting with a mouse, Using email,
• Using the internet safely
• Using online searches.

Learners can progress onto further free courses (Myguide) on www.myguide.gov.uk, the learning website designed by UK online centres to improve online access for groups who have previously been excluded or have found IT intimidating or hard to use.

There are already examples of trade unions promoting this exciting initiative to their members;

Gloucestershire Communications Workers

ULR* Sean McGeough has been using Online basics to help four or five members a month get to grips with basic ICT since the beginning of this year.
'I was looking for something basic for people who have never touched computers before and don't want a qualification, and we've found Online basics absolutely fabulous - we've reached groups of people who would never have been interested in accredited courses,' Sean says.
'Because it's simple, nonthreatening and non-accredited, it's really taken off - the oldest person using the suite at Gloucester mail centre is a retired member of 74 - it's just fantastic.'

The Prison Officers' Association Hatfield learning centre at HMP

Moorland open prison is also using Online basics to reach both parts of its target audience, Prison Service staff and the local community.
'I became interested because I saw Online basics could be a pre-learning activity for learners who come in to do our learndirect* courses,' says Regional Centre Manager Ellen Schofield. The need for a non-threatening introduction to ICT is partly prompted by the Prison Service moving many of its administrative and training systems online. 'When staff doesn't have the computer skills they need, they have difficulty in using these systems, and Online basics is very good for people to come in and try their hand who've never touched a computer before,' Ellen explains.

To find out how more about this exciting initiative or to register your trade union learning centre as a UK online centre go to http://www.ukonlinecentres.com or contact Joe Fearnehough (National Union Development Officer unionlearn) at: jfearnehough@tuc.org.uk

Briefing document (400 words) issued 12 Aug 2010

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Email ulweb@tuc.org.uk

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