ONLINE LEARNING POLICY
JANUARY 2021
POLICY STATEMENT
This policy oulines ITEC NE’s approach to online learning as a response to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
Throughout 2020 the COVID-19 pandemic has influenced the way in which our training programmes are delivered. Delivery would traditionally take place in one of our three well equipped training centres, or on employer premises. In response to the pandemic, and to ensure that our learners & employers could continue in training, all delivery was moved online.
This reactive move ensured that the vast majority of learning could continue, however in some minor cases we identified that not all learners had the necessary hardware, connectivity or technical capability to engage.
The policy, as at December 2020, identifies our distance travelled since March 2020, and our short term goals to ensure inclusivity for all moving forward into 2021.
ONLINE LEARNING STRATEGY
Our Online Learning Strategy (20-21) details 4 strategic aims;
The strategy has been designed in collaboration with staff and learners at ITEC. The central aim of the strategy is to build on our existing strengths to enhance the overall teaching and learning experience at ITEC.
The objectives seek to broaden the ways e-learning may be used, ensure that learners have an effective and consistent online learning experience and to enable an informed, digitally literate staff with appropriate development opportunities and smart tools.
The strategy is discussed and actioned via ITEC NE’s Quality Group with operational actions logged and monitored via the companies Quality Improvement Plan. A copy of the strategy can be requested by contacting s.meek@itecne.co.uk , or calling 07783 336695.
DELIVERY METHODS
We are able to offer blended models to cater for individual learner need, or in response to further lockdown restrictions.
Our centres are full equipped with appropriate signage, hygiene equipment and track & trace.
All centres have been risk assessed in line with latest guidance, and appropriate signage is in place to confirm room capacity and expectations.
We expect moving into 2021 that our blended models will continue. In some cases it is safe & appropriate to keep 100% of learning online, for example shorter or self study programmes. In regards to longer and more in depth programmes, delivery will continue as a blended model of classroom & online delivery.
In all cases, prior to enrolment, delivery models will be discussed with prospective learners and any individual needs actioned.
In response to the first lockdown in March 2021, ITEC NE rolled out Adobe Connect as a platform to continue business & training activities. It was identified that although Adobe Connect serviced the needs of most learners, additional platforms were required to ensure all needs were met.
The following platforms are now in operation;
In all cases, prior to enrolment, the most appropriate delivery platforms will be discussed with learners should some or all learning be online.
HARDWARE & CONNECTIVITY
Throughout the pandemic ITEC NE have worked with learners to ensure that they have been supported with any hardware or connectivity issues to maintain engagement & continuation of learning. This work has helped to inform our investment, and some of the longer term goals outlined in our Online Learning Strategy.
We can now confidently set the following assurances to all learners;
We do not anticipate any issues with learners not being able to engage in programmes.
TECHNICAL CAPABILITIES
Despite best efforts to provide appropriate training platforms and hardware / connectivity solutions, we are mindful that not all prospective learners may have the technical capabilities to connect & engage in learning.
Whilst we could not mitigate these risks entirely, through staff training and our company wide approach, we aim to minimise the number of learners unable to engage in activities by;
To ensure the policy is fully implemented it is essential roles and responsibilities are clearly defined for all staff with regard to supporting learners in accessing online learning platforms.
Ensure:
Managing Director
Ensure:
Tutors and other delivery staff
Ensure:
QUALITY REVIEW
The policy and procedures will be updated and reviewed annually to ensure it is aligned to ITEC’s statutory responsibilities and guidance issued by the government.