Welcome to the May edition of 'Inside Learning', the learning centre e-newsletter from learndirect scotland.
In this edition we have information on a new FREE resource for learning centres called CommsBuilder, an update on Skills Development Scotland and details of a new ILA Scotland offer.
LEARNER JOURNEY RESEARCH PROJECT
Free prize draw
There is still time left for your learners to take part in our Learner Journey research project. This research will help inform how we engage with learners in the future so your assistance would be greatly appreciated.
To encourage your learners to take part, we are providing a lap top to the winner and three runner-up prizes of an iPod nano in our free prize draw (all respondents have the opportunity to enter). Your learners can complete the questionnaire here. Please note all questionnaires need to be completed by 26 May.
If you want to send the URL direct to your learners then please copy and paste this link: http://www.progressivepartnership.co.uk/surveys/6593/6593.htm
For background information on this project – please click here.
New Learning Development Officer
Welcome to Mairi Rule, who joins the learndirect scotland Highlands and Islands team from Merkinch Enterprise and Technology Centre. Mairi will be looking after the Southern and Western parts of the Highland and Island learning centre network, including Argyll and the Isles, Lochaber, Skye and Wester Ross.
New ILA Scotland offer
Students who are 18 or over and living in Scotland you will soon be able to apply for up to £500 towards part-time college and university courses.
To be eligible the learner must be earning £18,000 a year or less and studying for at least 50% of the time needed to complete a full-time higher education qualification (that's at least 60 SCQF credits a year).
For more information click on the above image.
Learning Centre Operations Groups (LCOGs)
LCOG Meetings are ongoing during May at a venue near you. Establishing the LCOGs is an opportunity for learning centres, partners and providers to come together to share local information, funding initiatives highlight upcoming events, and discuss resources and staff training.
To find out more speak to your Learning Development Officer to ensure you receive an invitation.
Say cheese - photography opportunities
We’re looking for learning centres, in the Central Belt, to take part in our photography programme. We’d like to photograph learners aged 16 to 60 whose images will then be used to promote the services of Skills Development Scotland. If you’re interested in taking part email lynns@learndirectscotland.com for further details.
Learning for Living for Carers – DVD
In partnership with Carers Scotland, we have made a short film featuring unpaid carers who have completed the City and Guilds ‘Learning for Living’ course. The film tells of carers who have stepped back into learning.
For a copy of the DVD please email us at partnership@learndirectscotland.com
SUPPORTING YOU - FREE RESOURCES
CommsBuilder - NEW
CommsBuilder is a FREE resource that allows learning centres to create new marketing materials and update existing material in minutes and at no incremental cost.
We’ll send you a username and password shortly.
learning bytes catalogue - new online version
We‘ve launched the online learning bytes catalogue which will make it even easier for you to access learning bytes.
national learning opportunities database (NLOD)
Don’t miss out - register on the database today. Call the information services team on 0141 285 6100 or e-mail infoservices@learndirectscotland.com