Guide to online adult learning

There's never been a better time to experience something new.

At �� Adult Learning we offer you the opportunity to continue your learning, to upskill or retrain with our wide range of online courses, which you can enjoy from the comfort of your own home. Discover Skills for Work, GCSEs, the arts, languages and many more with our online range.

Download Zoom and Zoom help
Joining your course
Online etiquette
Health and safety
Helping to bridge the digital divide

Zoom

Our online courses are delivered using Zoom. Please see some links below to help you get to grips with it.

You can access Zoom with your computer, laptop or download the app for mobile and/or desktop.

Joining your course

Joining instruction emails, which contain the Zoom link, will be sent no more than two working days before the start date of the course. If you haven't received this by midday on the working day before the start date, please contact us.

The email will give you details regarding the course, and the link provided will be one that you need to use for each session of that course.

You will need to ensure that you have a computer/laptop/tablet with reliable internet connection, and a working microphone and webcam to partake and to get the most from the course.

Please refer to the information above regarding Zoom in the first instance if you are having any problems joining the session.

Online etiquette

When you are learning from the comfort of your own home, it is easy to forget that you can be giving people you don’t know a window into your home so we would like to share a few hints and tips with you, to make sure your experience with us is a positive and safe one:

Do your own tech support before you start. Make sure you do a test run at some point, and that you are aware of your audio and video settings before you start. Zoom allows you to test your audio and video.
Stage your video area. Keep in mind that people are not just seeing you, they are also seeing whatever the camera is pointed at behind you. Try to arrange your camera facing towards as neutral a background as possible and make sure there are no items containing personal information in view. Please dress appropriately for your course.
More light is better. Video quality is dramatically improved with more lighting.
Try to look into the camera. If you are presenting or speaking to a group, looking into the camera will give the appearance of eye contact with whoever you are talking to.
Stay on mute if you are not talking. Background noise can be really distracting. If you aren’t sharing anything at that moment, please go ahead and hit mute until you do.
Please do not eat during the class.
Make the class private. Do not share details of how to log into a class or any online meetings on a public platform.

Health and safety

We are all responsible for our own health and safety. Please take on board the points below prior to your first session:

Eye Strain and Headaches. You could strain your eyes if you use a screen for prolonged periods of time. Try to regularly look away from the screen for a few moments to relax your eyes and focus on something in the distance for 30 seconds every 30 minutes.
Lighting, Reflections and Glare. Good light will make sure that you can see and be seen. Windows or other light sources can cause glare on your screen. Make sure you consider the position of your screen and remember that if you tilt the screen this can make a difference to glare and light to lessen effects.
Back and Neck Strain. Sitting at a computer for long periods can cause back and neck strain. Make sure you have a suitable chair that provides appropriate support, your screen is at eye level height and your feet comfortably rest on the floor.
Trailing Cables. Safely tuck away all power cables to your computer and printer, to avoid tripping over them and hurting yourself or others.
For learners on an art or craft course, in addition to the above:
Additional Materials. When using sharp objects, solvents, adhesives, sprays or potentially harmful paints or plant materials, please follow the instructions given by the tutor.

For learners on a cookery course, in addition to the above:

You must complete an essential information checklist prior to attending the first session. This is important as it will help the tutor plan the course and will consider any allergies, illnesses, and/or injuries that they need to be aware of.
Allergy or Food Intolerance. If you, or a member of your household have any allergies and/or food intolerances, please let your tutor know, as the tutor will be able to suggest suitable alternatives.
Slips, Trips and Bumps. To work safely, close all kitchen doors to avoid collisions and make sure that the floor is clear. If you do spill anything on the floor, clean it up straight away, to avoid slips.
Scalds and Burns. Carefully open lids on boiling pots to avoid escaping steam and heat. This can cause scalds and burns. Take care, including the use of oven gloves, when working with hot plates, ovens and hot cooking utensils.
Food Poisoning and Cross-contamination. Follow storage instructions and use by dates to avoid spoilage. You can avoid cross contamination by ensuring your food is stored correctly in the fridge. Use one cutting board for fresh produce and a separate one for raw meat, poultry and seafood. Alternatively, make sure you clean your board when you swap between fresh produce and raw meat products.
Hand Hygiene. Hand hygiene is always important when handling food but particularly important at this current time. Ensure you wash hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds and avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
Stay Hydrated. Kitchens can get hot and so could cause dehydration so remember to drink plenty of water to re-hydrate.

For learners on an exercise course, in addition to the above:

You must complete an essential information checklist prior to attending the first session. This is important as it will help the tutor plan the course and will consider any allergies, illnesses, and/or injuries that they need to be aware of.
Injury or Health Conditions. If you have any illness and/or injuries, please let your tutor know, as the tutor will be able to suggest suitable alternative exercises and/or adjustments. Be honest and only practise within your own ability. This means never pushing yourself past your limits as you could hurt yourself.
Appropriate Attire and Equipment. Please wear sensible clothing for the exercise and use all the required equipment as your tutor instructs.
Furniture for Balance. If you are using furniture for balance, make sure it’s stable.
Temperature. The room where you will be doing the exercise should be at a comfortable temperature (and remember, that you will warm up during activities).
Space. Before the class, create a safe space in which you can do the routines safely (recommendation 2m x 2m). Clear the space of things that may cause injury (for example, furniture and any trailing leads).
Slip and Trip Hazards. So you don’t trip or slip please check your exercise space for anything that could cause you harm. Clear the space of things that may cause injury, such as a rolled-up carpet, slippery floors, furniture corners and legs, stacked furniture and electrical cabling.
Candles and Incense. These should be placed on non-flammable surfaces, away from any flammable material such as curtains and away from drafts. Never leave these unattended.
Stay Hydrated. Remember to drink plenty of water to not only re-hydrate but also prevent muscle cramps.

Should you have any questions or concerns, please raise with your tutor in the first instance.

Helping to bridge the digital divide

At �� Adult Learning we are proud to promote inclusive learning and we believe that nobody should feel left behind. Digital inclusion is about ensuring that the benefits of the internet and digital technologies are available to everyone. The pandemic has highlighted a real need for people to work in collaboration and help one another. If you cannot attend an IT course with us because you are finding it a challenge to access the hardware to join us, the following organisations may be able to help you.

�� Coalition of Disabled People

�� Coalition of Disabled People is helping to connect people who are digitally excluded through a successful programme called Tech to Community Connect project.

The project aims to provide technology, support in using technology and virtual groups to reduce loneliness and isolation in people with care and support needs across ��. The project is supported by "Tech Angels" who are community volunteers that help people improve their digital skills and confidence using technology.

For further information and to register visit the

If you are interested in applying to become a Tech Angel volunteer, helping people in our community who are digitally excluded, please email getconnected@surreycoaltion.org.uk

Farnham Lions Club

Since the outbreak of Covid-19 the local Lions Clubs have donated refurbished devices to help adults with their learning and adults needing help. All those items were generously donated to Lions clubs and were then checked and refurbished by the Lions IT team.

For further information please visit the

Good Things Foundation

A social change charity, helping people improve their lives through digital. For further information visit the

Citizen's Advice

Call their helpline on 0808 278 7888

For telephone advice, Monday to Thursday 10:00 – 16:00

All calls are free using the number above. Alternatively, you can send an email by completing the online enquiry form via the

Choose

offer links to free and heavily discounted devices for people who are on low incomes, income support and who have disabilities. They also provide information on cheap broadband and landline packages.

Social Box

is an initiative to distribute laptops in order to support those who have never had a computer. If eligible (e.g. those on low income, disabled and the elderly), would be gifted a laptop. There is also a 6 week basic computer literacy class that can be taken. Every Wednesday evening, there is a remote telephone support for computer enquiries.

O2 Community Calling

O2 is a successful collaboration between O2 and Hubbub to distribute gifted smart phones and provide free connectivity to the most vulnerable individuals in the UK who are digitally excluded. This project relies on phones which have been donated by the public and then have been re-configured. Each recipient receives 12 months' free data provided by O2, and access to free digital skills training.

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