ABOUT US AND HOW WE OPERATE
Learnow in association with the Open College Network is dedicated to developing an individual’s business and personal skills through distance learning using email. What is the The OCN is a collaborative network of educational institutions and other organisations whose aims include increased equality of learning opportunities and improvement of the quality of educational guidance and information available to adults. The When you successfully complete a learnow unit accredited by the Open College Network, you will be awarded a Certificate of Unit Credit. The level at which the credit will be awarded will depend on how complex the unit is to learn. What is a Unit Credit? Each unit (or course) gives details of the things you, as a learner, are expected to know, understand or do on completion of the unit. These are known as the “learning outcomes”. The methods that are used to determine that you have actually achieved these outcomes are known as “assessment criteria”. Each Unit Credit now represents a notional 10 hours of learning or studying. Most of our courses are based on 30 hours of learning, which gives an entitlement to three credits when you complete the course. What are Credit Levels?All units include a level, depending on how complicated the learning outcomes are, how much independent work you need to do to achieve those outcomes, and the range of circumstances within which you are expected to demonstrate that you have achieved these outcomes. Level 1 – This credit level involves the acquisition of a broad range of competencies, knowledge and understanding in circumstances where things are predictable and structured. This is designed to prepare you to progress to further independent achievements. This level involves applying known solutions to familiar problems and presenting and recording information from readily available sources Level 2 – This credit level involves acquiring a broad range of competencies, knowledge and understanding which demonstrates that you can apply these abilities in circumstances where things are not always predictable and highly structured. It may also involve making comparisons and interpreting available information. Also to prepare you to progress to further achievements. Level 3 – This credit level involves you acquiring a more complex range of competencies, knowledge and understanding, which you will be able to apply in circumstances which may call for the development of autonomous analytical and critical abilities.You need to show understanding of relevant theories, be able to access and evaluate information independently and be able to analyse information and make reasoned judgements. Who will be interested in these courses? In this rapidly changing world, businesses and individuals often need to react to changing circumstances. Alternatively, an individual or a business may wish to influence the development of their future. Learnow courses have been developed with these circumstances in mind. What will the benefits be? For individuals, learnow courses offer ‘one to one’ guidance. Learning is truly flexible, as courses start when you are ready and you learn at your own speed. For businesses, learnow courses offer an effective way of staff development with minimum disruption thereby providing effective use of resources. Learnow courses are flexible programmes with the provision of one to one guidance to assist you to:
Do I need to own a computer with email facilities? No. Several options are available. You can visit a local internet café, a participating local library, or a local college. As long as you can obtain an email address and access to a printer, you can participate in learnow courses. Is the course the same as an Internet course? No. To take an internet course you usually have to access a specific website, register, obtain a username and password, then either download the course, or the part you want to take or need to be online and interactive. With learnow courses, you use email to communicate with your tutor and receive guidance as the course develops. It also means that you will receive the most up to date information. How Will I Study? You enrol and register for the course like any other, but all information is sent to you at your designated email address. Each course is divided into modules, and each module comprises a number of topics. Your tutor, who is experienced in your subject area, sends you material on a topic by topic basis, for you to complete and return to your tutor for comment and feedback on your learning progress. At the end of each module, there may also be an assignment to complete. You build up a “portfolio”, which will contain all the work you have completed, together with your tutor’s comments and other relevant information. When you have completed the course and your tutor is happy that your work has achieved the required standard, your portfolio is submitted to an external assessor. If that person agrees with your tutor’s assessment, you will receive the appropriate OCN certificate. How will I be supported? Your tutor will support you via email regularly to determine how you are progressing and to offer additional help should you need it. Any requests from you for assistance will be acknowledged by your tutor as quickly as possible, and will be dealt with without undue delay. You will be given as much help and encouragement as you need by email, this includes the opportunity to resubmit work. What should you expect from us? Once you have enrolled, we will send you a course study guide which clearly states our obligations to you, such as ensuring you received prompt replies to your emails, and the procedure to follow should you have a problem associated with the organisation or delivery of the course. What will we expect from you? As you are enrolled on a course leading to a nationally recognised certificate, we would expect that the work you submit is your own, and not that of a third party. We would also expect that if you are experiencing any difficulty with the course or contacting your tutor, you notify us promptly. We will make every reasonable effort to ensure that both our equipment and that used by your tutor includes the most up to date virus protection software, and we would expect that equipment you use would also incorporate this facility. What will it cost? Learnow courses are charged at : £ 111.62 for courses leading to the achievement of three OCN unit credits. (£95.00 excluding UK VAT). £193.87 for courses leading to the achievement of six OCN unit credits (£165.00 excluding UK VAT) This includes all course material, tuition, learner registration with OCN and certification fees. How do I get started? Complete and return the on line enrolment form, and email it back to us (use the "submit" button). We will then contact you to arrange payment and provisionally enrol you on your chosen course, Once we recceive payment we will register you with the Open College Network, allocate a suitable tutor for you and send you course material. Example of Learner Feedback..... " I liked the course's diversity, easy access between teacher and student communication, and the text of the course was simple enough to enjoy without being bored or trying." | <>