1. Appendix 3 UK online centres Informal Learning Discussion Forum Prepared by: Virtual Surveys Prepared for: UK online centres Date: May 2008 Ref: VSL 2200
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9. Types of informal learning carried out (3) In our centre, informal learners would like to be able to learn all kind of what is classed as 'leisure' courses, e.g. home management , photography, digital photography, basic computing skills . We often put informal courses on in response to demand such as: Spanish conversation, card making, digital filming and editing and Family History workshops. People come in to check and purchase tickets , especially airlines so online shopping/payment is supplied. We have an agreement locally with Jobcentre plus , who direct jobseekers to us for assistance with CVs, Jobsearch and basic computer skills . The important activity for these visitors are generally email, web browsing and typing up documents . We are running a Lottery project based around healthy eating and active living . … we use computers to look at self catering, food safety, savings, renting property, budgeting etc. Examples of informal learning mentioned We get a significant number of people visiting for help with online job applications , preparing and printing CV's and Jobsearch .
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27. How can funding for informal learning be improved? (2) Current frustrations include a lot of funding being poured into support materials and marketing for initiatives but very little available for delivery … I think it would be great to have funding available for the individual so that they could chose a subject they are interested in; not target driven … With hard to reach learners you need to be able to grab the chance while you can not send them away. … a lot of the Government contracts seem to concentrate only on short unemployed or facing redundancy people and the ones wanting to learn ICT for use in their daily lives are finding it very difficult to find any funded courses. What we need is long term funding to enable us to support informal learners. We were lucky to receive money … which means we had lots of new people but then it ended and we had to look for more money to support tutor costs. Once the tutors go sometimes the people leave too as they get attached to a particular person.