Online & Remote Learning

Learners making furniture

Guidance for online learning

Key Guidance

  • Be on time. Sessions will start and finish according to the timetable.   If you join late, please don’t interrupt the session. Remain silent.  Your tutor will support you.
  • Be Come to the meeting with a positive attitude and with any course materials or resources that you have been asked to have ready
  • Where possible, choose a quiet location – away from pets, children, etc. Turn off the TV and any music.
  • Be ready to take part. Not everybody is confident in speaking up within a group, especially when you don’t already know other learners.  However, to make the most of your learning experience we ask that you share ideas, ask questions, and contribute to the discussions.

Security

  • Remember that your password is the only thing protecting you from pranks or more serious harm.
  • Don’t share your password with anyone.
  • Change your password if you think someone else might know it.
  • Only share an email address or other personal information if necessary.
  • If using a webcam, think about what is behind you in view – is it something you don’t want others to see?

When communicating online you should always:

  • Be respectful of others and their opinions.
  • Be careful with personal information (both yours and others’).
  • Beware of using reply all – does everyone need to see your message?
  • Remember to stay on topic. Is this relevant to your subject?
  • Remember to listen and not talk over each other – this comes with practice! Mute yourself when not talking.
  • The site’s owners and moderators have the final say in enforcing the rules.
  • Please do not to write or say anything that you wouldn’t say to someone’s face and always think about how you would feel if you were receiving it.
  • Please remember we still need to keep each other safe. If you are concerned about your own or another person’s safety, please tell your tutor or report it using the Safeguarding number.

Staying safe online

Some golden rules

  • Don’t give out personal information such as your address or phone number
  • Don’t send pictures of yourself to anyone especially indecent pictures
  • Don’t open emails or attachments from people you don’t know
  • Never arrange to meet somebody in person that you have met online
  • If anything you read or see online worries you, tell someone about it

You can find more information on our Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) about staying safe online.

Working Safely with Display Screen Equipment (DSE)

While preparing and/or participating in distance learning learners are responsible for looking after their own health. This includes ensuring they have adequate arrangements in place to maintain good posture and reduce Display Screen Equipment (DSE) related risks.

Please talk to your tutor for more information and guidance on DSE.

Online learning platforms

Virtual Learning Environment (VLE)

ACL Essex has its own Virtual Learning Environment where learners can access information and resources related to their subject at any time. All learners are given a VLE account when they enrol with ACL Essex.

If you need further help, please view our video and written tutorials or contact acltechsupport@essex.gov.uk

Microsoft Office 365

As a learner with ACL Essex, you are given access to Office 365 for education. This gives you access to online versions of Microsoft’s suite including Word, PowerPoint and Teams. Your tutor may use Teams as your learning platform.

If you need more information or support, please speak to your tutor or contact acltechsupport@essex.gov.uk

Resources on our website

There is 24 hour access to our website www.aclessex.com where you can find local contact details for your area and more information about support and services. If you require additional information or support, please contact us.

Equipment & Wifi

We encourage you to bring your own device (smartphone, tablet, laptop) to your class to support your learning. You can access our free Wi-Fi by asking Customer Services or your tutor for the password. If you do not currently own a device, you could be eligible for funding support to help you with your studies.

Need support with digital technologies?

To help you develop your skills and confidence using digital technology we have computers in the public areas at most of our centres.  We also offer specially designed courses aiming to support you through the initial stages of using digital technologies.  View our free Digital Skills courses or ask your tutor for more details.