POA Delivering digital learning
Bullingdon POA Learning Centre in Oxfordshire was opened in May 2009. It was the 12th centre to be set up in England and Wales by the POA and is funded through the Union Learning Fund, which provides vital assistance to help workers to up-skill by carrying out learning in the workplace.
It is open to all personnel employed by or working in the prisons, and is also available for family, friends and the local community. Situated outside the main prison, the ethos of the centre is to provide a safe and secure environment, welcoming staff and learners to develop skills.
The centre offers a varied and flexible approach to learning and courses include
• English and Maths
• Learndirect courses
• IT for beginners
• Foreign Languages
Joe Kennedy was introduced to his local POA union learning centre by a friend who was already learning computer skills at the centre. Joe, who is 69 year s of age, recollects that his very first visit to the learning centre clarified for him, that a mouse was not just a furry rodent with a long tail.
Joe was supported from the start by staff at the learning centre and was shown how easy digital learning could be. Joe left the centre on his first day a very happy person, as he had learnt how to write his name, change the text size and use fancy writing.
Joe said:
“This was a massive achievement for me, someone who has never used computers before. I remember thinking that I will definitely be coming back to the learning centre. I was really excited about the possibility of eventually being able to contact my family in Denmark through a webcam.”
Many of us take our ICT skills for granted and often don’t realise that for some, the digital world is a daunting experience. The POA learning centre is designed to provide a comfortable, supportive environment for learners to explore the internet and see how it can be used to enhance their learning and lives.
“Our centre recognises that learners need provisions for quality learning in a relaxed and friendly environment, at a time and pace that suits them. Staff at the learning centre are always on hand to help people get started and support individual needs. Anyone can follow in the footsteps of Jo and Rosie and build confidence along the way,” said Karina, Regional Learner Support at the Bullingdon centre.
Joe went on to introduce his wife to the learning centre, and she was able to complete a literacy qualification with the help and guidance of the learning centre staff. Joe’s wife, Rosie, is now working on her keyboard skills to enable her to produce quicker work when she moves onto other qualifications.
Joe and his wife do not currently own a computer and found that learning centre to be a perfect alternative. Especially as Joe’s wife works shifts and the centre offers flexible learning.
“Both my wife and I have completed UK-Online – myguide computer courses. This has enabled us to build our confidence in basic computer courses. As I am able to complete other computer courses at my own pace, I’m not getting left behind in a class environment. This is an extremely important consideration for adult digital learners.”
When asked how Joe uses his new found skills on a regular basis, he said:
“Apart from checking my email, I like online crosswords, but I had difficulties with questions on computer terminology. Online learning has helped me overcome this hurdle. I can also read news from the web and this saves me money on newspapers, which is a definite plus. I am able to confidently search the web and was delighted to discover historic family information dating back to WW1. It beats TV any day and I’m so much closer to my webcam goal.”
