1. This house proposes that while beginning
to embrace the benefits of online learning
communities, the adult learning sector has
failed to provide the support adults need
in e-safety and e-responsibility
Supporting the motion : Simon Beard
Head of Learning Resources and E-Learning Development
City Lit
2. Why?
The nature of adult education
Short courses
Learning outcomes specific to the subject
Learning French for 2 hours per week – not IT
Assumptions made about knowledge – prerequisite knowledge might just be “word
processing and use of internet”
Exceptions
IT classes
Family learning
3. Learners
Our learners increasingly use technology – however
May not be confident – may get family to download, update…
May be scared by news reports
Think that e-safety is for children
Special at risk groups
Older people
Learning disabilities
Deaf people
Trusting
Poor technical English
Technology offers great communication options – with potential issues
4. What are we asking learners to do
Access the internet
At home – keeping computer updated – antivirus and other software
Shared environment (college or library) – protecting personal data
Email – understanding spam / phishing
Social networks (Twitter / Facebook)
Cloud systems – sharing (private, invited, public)
College systems – Moodle, Mahara
BYOD – mobile phones
5. What can be done
Information
Printed
Web – online course
Posters / mouse mats
Contact point for advice – approachable service – in person, telephone, email
Staff training- adding simple advice as part of course
Editor's Notes
When considering my position on this motion, I did consider making an amendment, such as adding “started, some or limited”, as there are I’m sure, many good examples of support across the sector. However, on balance I believe that for the majority of adult learners, the proposition is basically true – I therefore support the motion..
