In this issue...
Welcome to Members' News 12 April, 2010
We've now kicked off our Smarter Government programme and our journey to getting an extra one million people online over the next three years.
There are two new packages on myguide, Online jobs and Online services, and these are already proving extremely popular. They're a great way to engage your learners in the things we think will really be really important to them - saving money online and finding jobs. I really like the way you can link to relevant websites from within the packages.
We'll also soon have a new engagement game on myguide to inspire people to get online during the Face your online fears for Silver Surfers' Day campaign. There's more information about the campaign below, and we want as many centres as possible to sign up so please do join us and Terry Wogan.
Best wishes
Helen Milner
Managing Director, UK online centres
Face your online fears
We’re fast approaching May, and the beginning of the Face your online fears for Silver Surfers' Day campaign. Last week we told you that Kim Woodburn, the star of How Clean is Your House would be our celebrity ambassador, and this week we can tell you about another exciting celebrity guest who is lending his support. National treasure Terry Wogan has joined the campaign, in order to encourage the over 55s to get online, which he will be doing with a series of media interviews.
We’re also getting your marketing packs ready to send, and so if you’ve already signed up these should be with you in the next couple of weeks.
If you haven’t signed up to the campaign yet, now’s a great time to do so.
Network satisfaction survey
You will have received a personalised link in your email inbox inviting you to take part in our quarter 3 network satisfaction survey. Completing the survey and providing us with your feedback will ensure we can provide you with a service which best suits your needs.
With the recent new funding it’s crucial that we continue to keep a close dialogue with our network, which in turn will help us all to deliver on our promises. As always, your feedback is valued and appreciated and if you have any problems or questions, please contact aaskew@ufi.com.
myguide updates
We’ve updated the latest of our myguide courses to provide emailable certificates and improved course performance. The latest courses to be included are Using public services, Using digital TV, Using a mobile phone and Using digital photography.
Level 3 Professional Development Course
On Monday May 10, we are starting a new course for tutors and volunteers who are teaching Online basics. The course is absolutely free and taught through an online learning environment for your flexibility. When completed it will lead to an Open College Network level 3 accreditation. For more details visit our website to download the CPD course flyer.
Oneplace webinar
Oneplace is a new website, written in straightforward, jargon-free language that can tell you more about how local public services in your area are performing, all in one place.
Your learners can find answers to questions such as; how safe or clean is my area, how good is the housing provision and what are care services like?
To help you make the most of what is available on the site, and to help you direct your learners through it, the Audit Commission will be holding a live webinar on either Friday 23 April at 11AM or Tuesday 27 April at 11AM.
To register your interest, please email ukonlinecentres@ufi.com, with your contact details, using “Oneplace webinar” as the subject title.
learndirect courses
Are any of your learners starting to feel more comfortable using a computer? If so, we’ve partnered with learndirect to help them gain a level 2 qualification in IT. Not only will it give their confidence a boost, but it could also really improve their job prospects. If this sounds like it might be right for a learner you know, then why not show them how an IT qualification with learndirect could take them further? Just visit learndirect’s IT page. From there, learners can test their skills with a new and improved IT quiz, and they can also find out how learndirect might be able to help them.
Digital Participation Fund
Applications are now open for the first round of funding from the Digital Participation Fund. Applications must be submitted before 5pm on Tuesday 1 June, and you can find out more about the awards here.
Your Questions...
...answered
Q.
What is the difference between Face your online fears and Silver Surfers' Day?
A.
Face your online fears is the campaign we are running to support Silver Surfers' Day, which is an annual event held by Digital Unite as part of Adult Learners' Week. By signing up to take part in Face your online fears, you will also be supporting Silver Surfers' Day.
What else is happening?
Face your online fears - throughout May
Silver Surfers' Day - Friday 21 May
NIACE Adult Learners' Week - 15 - 21 May
Get Online Week - 18 - 24 October