Distance learning still going strong
ALTHOUGH Halton Borough Council’s adult learning centres have been closed to the public, staff have made sure that key courses have carried on and new learners are being supported.
The Adult Learning Team has worked hard to ensure that courses and qualifications in maths, English, IT and child development have continued to run, while inducting new learners onto the distance learning programme.
The service has welcomed 44 new learners who have signed up for the online coding and web design courses, there are another 29 learners who have taken advantage of the free distance learning courses in subjects such as mental health, information, advice & guidance, and equality & diversity.
Team members have been in regular contact with many of their learners by phone, email and social media (Facebook, www.facebook.com/ haltonadultlearning and Twitter @adulthalton).
This has ensured that those continuing with learning have been well supported during their study and that those learners who have been isolated during this time have received ongoing encouragement.
During this period tutors have been working hard on new and innovative ways to move towards an online and virtual delivery approach while continuing to deliver provision through a variety of channels.
Frankie Valdez, a teaching assistant learner, praised the work of the service. He said: “I have managed to complete all of my course work and the support has been there for me whenever I have needed it, just a phone call or email away.”
The Adult Learning Team has courses planned for delivery from September onwards and if you are interested in learning something new, register your interest. Delivery will be through a range of different models with a mixture of online and classroom based learning.
Cllr Eddie Jones, the council’s portfolio holder for economic development, says: “Halton Borough Council is committed to providing quality learning and training opportunities for our residents, and that commitment is exemplified by the response to this unprecedented Coronavirus crisis from our dedicated staff team across the Adult Learning Service.
“The new measures were quickly devised and implemented to minimise impact on learners until we can resume activities in our centres. So if you are interested in one of our courses, feel confident in its delivery and please hurry to sign up for September. Take care.”
To find out more about what courses are available to help improve your skills please contact the Adult Learning team on 0151 511 7788 or visit https:// www3.halton.gov.uk/Pages/ Education andFamilies/PDFs/ AdultLearning/ alprospectus.pdf