Informal adult learning in the digital age Thursday, July 8, 2010 - 16:18

Informal adult learning providers - and representatives from other organisations that consider informal adult learning a part of what they do - are attending a NIACE workshop today, to explore how they can build their skills in using technology to enhance the experience of their learners.

Informal adult learning in the digital age will address setting up online discussions, making videos and will examine what Virtual Classrooms have to offer.

Alastair Clark, Senior Programme Director of Digital Learning at NIACE, said:

"These workshops are for people who help make informal adult learning happen and will teach them how to make the digital age work for them. Attendees will be able to take away ideas to try with their groups and will also be introduced to training materials which they can use afterwards by themselves or with colleagues and friends."

"NIACE is offering additional in-house courses or consultancy to those were unable to attend this workshop, but would like to learn how digital technology can enhance their provision. To register an interest, you can email me at alastair.clark@niace.org.uk."

The workshops are for:

• members of learning groups and clubs;
• volunteers and paid staff who support informal learning;
• library staff;
• museum staff;
• health workers;
• tutors;
• coaches; and
• others who support informal learning for adults.

The key part that technology and broadcasting play in enabling informal adult learning was recognised in The Learning Revolution White Paper. NIACE has been funded by Becta to develop training materials and has been an active member of the national informal adult learning technology and broadcasting forum.