Darlington Borough Council: Libraries and Community Learning Service

An Excellence Gateway case study

This case study was produced by JISC RSC (Regional Support Centres) Northern on behalf of the Excellence Gateway.

Sector relevance: Adult and community learning, further education colleges

Keywords: Improving teaching and learning, improving responsiveness to learners, improving institutional effectiveness, community learning, hard-to-reach learners, curriculum development, learner support, teaching and learning, workforce development, entry to employment (E2E)

Summary

Community learning at Darlington Borough Council successfully uses different e-learning methods to attract and attain otherwise difficult-to-reach adults. The age of technology has not been embraced by many of these learners. Once learners have been introduced to computers and online learning, their new skills allow them to keep up with their child's learning and they often continue to gain further qualifications.

About Darlington Borough Council - Community Learning

Community learning consists of a range of activities and programmes where parents or carers, children and teachers are involved in learning together. The activities are designed to help them to enjoy learning, have fun and a chance to keep up with their child's learning. In addition to Community Learning and LLN (Language, Literacy and Numeracy skills), Darlington Council offers a variety of programmes such as FE courses, Entry to Employment, Skills for Jobs and accreditation, which is extended to partners such as the Youth Service, Youth Offending Team and the Warden Service.

The challenge

Darlington Borough Council identified a demand for LLN courses as well as developing computer skills for hard-to-reach adult learners. Due to a lack of these skills, parents or carers often have problems helping their children with their schoolwork or paying for school meals and trips through their school's website. Similarly, an online test such as the DSA's driving theory test is difficult to pass when learners are not familiar with computers.

The activity

When introducing difficult-to-reach adult learners to computers and online learning, a sensitive approach is used to engage those who are fearful. For example, the first exercise will only require a left click of the mouse with a sticker positioned over the left button. The next step is using RM Colour Magic (a graphic and painting software programme) which is also an excellent tool for developing mouse control.

Most courses now involve e-learning, below are a few examples:

• Literacy and numeracy tests (OCR National Tests) are available online and can be taken at any time the learner feels ready.



• ‘Computers Together' is a family learning class where parents or carers can develop their skills to support their child's computer skills.



• Learners have access to TeesLearn; a shared VLE with the consortium of all Teesvalley Adult Community Learning Providers and Durham Education in the Community, where they can learn how to use email and find out more information about their courses.



• A tutor is available to provide home tuition with help of a laptop if learners are uncomfortable visiting the learners centre.



• CD ROMs and DVDs can be borrowed to improve language, literacy and numeracy skills at home.



• A digital camera is introduced at every programme and all learners are encouraged to operate it.

The outcomes

Learners can work at their own pace and take online tests when they feel ready to do so. Because of the quick results, learners are motivated to continue with other courses. E-learning has improved responsiveness and learners feel more positive about learning. It helps to overcome whatever difficulties they may have experienced in the past. Consistent positive learner feedback and high levels of achievement confirm this.

The impact

The impact of e-learning on difficult-to-reach adult learners has been remarkable. Learners are confident sending emails and using computers to support their children. They are keen to enrol on courses and are enthusiastic and eager to progress once the courses have finished.

Learner Joanne Frost who took the course ‘Computers Together' with her daughter Catherine, said:

“We have learnt so much about computers as a family. Catherine really enjoyed doing the activities and I am so glad I attended."

Useful links

• JISC RSC Northern website

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Disclaimer:The Regional Support Centres (RSC) and the Learning and Skills Improvement Service (LSIS) support the development of educational e-learning. We may refer to specific products, processes or services. Such references are examples and are not endorsements or recommendations and should not be used for product endorsement purposes.