Online learning available for all

ENROLMENT is now open for dozens of free courses being run in the summer term by Swansea Council’s Lifelong Learning Service.

The wide range of subject areas include art, calligraphy, yoga, IT, essential skills, family learning, music, digital photography, cookery, floristry, needlecraft and more.

Visit www.swansea.gov. uk/lifelonglearning to see the options available, with courses starting from April 26.

Again, due to current restrictions the courses are online, but that did not stop last term’s learners’ enjoyment.

Almost 900 people signed up during the spring term and almost two-thirds of those who responded to a recent survey stated they had never tried any kind of online learning before.

Feedback was overwhelmingly positive, with more than 93% of learners who completed the questionnaire rating the Lifelong Learning Service as ‘very good’ or ‘good’.

As well as providing new skills the courses give an opportunity for participants to meet fellow learners online and stay connected while Wales is in lockdown.

One learner said: “It allowed me to develop very necessary online skills during the lockdown to be able to shop, bank remotely etc.”

Another added: “I’ve now tried a few different courses with Lifelong Learning and have been really impressed with the subjects available and the quality of the teaching.”

IT courses are designed for people at a range of levels and the service can also offer over-the-phone support to talk beginners through getting online to keep in touch with families or friends, shop online or use software and apps.

Those needing help to support friends or relatives to get online can fill out the form at www. swansea.gov.uk/getonline or phone 01792 637101 between 9.30am and 4pm on weekdays to request a call back.

The service also provides essential skills classes in literacy, numeracy and employability, supporting learners via a variety of both online and off-line activities, with details available on the same number.