Online Learning
Introduction to online learning
If you are thinking about studying online there are a number of safeguards to bear in mind:
- Make sure that the online provider is a bona fide reputable organisation
- Be very careful about giving out any personal details (many online providers will require that you register with them)
- Check whether the course is free or if there is a cost
- Check the commitment needed as you will find that a good online course will be hard work - just like any other
- Make sure that it delivers exactly what you are looking for (if you need a qualification you will be unlikely to find it online at the moment)
Although some of the learning providers have excellent reputations (for example the Open University courses on the right-hand column), please remember that BECTU does not endorse any of the providers whose links are shown here and any agreements are made at your own risk! However, if you follow the guidelines you should be able to experiment safely - and hopefully learn safely.
How to make it work for you
In the section below we provide some more information and links to providers of online courses. The columns on the left and right hand sides of this page contain links to units of online study that you can register for and begin studying.
Online learning links
The Open University is the original 'distance learning' institute - established by a Labour government in the 1960s. Some of the courses are free via their 'Openlearn' brand, but other courses, many of which lead to excellent qualifications - especially but not exclusively at degree level. These courses are lengthy and require commitment.
Various broadcasting companies have considerable online presence around education and training with some offers of online learning. The best known is probably the BBC which has a comprehensive learning section located on its website. It also has an impressive vocational training & development website.
Employment Related
Advice, Conciliation and Arbitration Service (ACAS)
ACAS is responsible for promoting good and fair employment relations in the UK. They provide training and advice and can also help when Unions and employers cannot reach agreement. The run a small number of online courses, below. Although designed for employers, it is well worthwhile union reps and stewards spending some time on.
Subjects include, Informing and Consulting, Discipline and Grievance, Managing Absence, Contracts and Written Statements, Handling Redundancy, Working Parents, Bullying and Harassment, Sexual Orientation, Religion or Belief, Age Discrimination.
Learndirect
Learndirect claims to be the 'largest e-learning network of its kind in the world'. It is a first port of call for ideas and information and advice for millions of people. They also have strategic partnerships with Unionlearn and many Sector Skills Councils.
What sort of decision maker are you?
Skills and interests assessment (you will need Adobe Flash Player for this)
The Guardian jobs pages
This is a great resource and contain advice about your CV and a number of online assessments including psychometric tests in partnership with a commercial site, job test prep.