Kickstart your lockdown learning with over 40 free online courses say Council

There is still time to enrol in one of almost 40 free online courses being run in the spring term by Swansea Council’s Lifelong Learning Service.

Starting next week, there is a wide range of subject areas to choose from including IT, Art & Craft, Music, Family Learning and Essential Skills, Cookery, Yoga and Digital Photography.

As well as learning new skills the courses provide an opportunity for participants to meet fellow learners online and stay connected whilst Wales is in lockdown.

The Spring Term runs from January to April and to take part learners will need access to a device such as a PC, laptop or tablet so they can access Google Classroom.

The full programme along with an online enrolment form can be found at www.swansea.gov.uk/lifelonglearning

Swansea Council’s Cabinet Member for Education Improvement, Learning and Skills, Jennifer Raynor said: “Since the coronavirus pandemic began the Lifelong Learning Service has moved its courses online providing people with opportunities to develop new skills from the safety of their own homes.

“I’m pleased that despite the current restrictions on all of us, our tutors are still making their knowledge available to students and with many of us spending much more time at home it is an ideal opportunity to put that to good use.

“A number of our tutors have been nominated by our learners for the Learning & Work Institute ‘Inspire’ Tutor Award. This prestigious award demonstrates the commitment of our tutors and how beneficial the classes are for our learners.

“It has been impressive to see how learners and tutors alike have embraced online learning and become so confident in providing and participating in learning in a virtual setting.”

IT courses are designed for people at a range of levels and the service can also offer over the phone support to talk beginners through getting online to keep in touch with families or friends, shop online or use software such as Apps.  Those needing help to support friends or relatives to get online can fill out the form at www.swansea.gov.uk/getonline or phone 01792 637101 between 9.30am and 4.00pm on weekdays to request a call back.

The Service also provides Essential Skills classes in Literacy, Numeracy and Employability, supporting learners via a variety of both online and off-line activities with details available on the same number.

(Lead image: Julia M Cameron / Pexels.com)