New Online Platforms for Training Courses

Karla Turner, Training Officer

With the introduction of COVID-19 restrictions on meeting in person, our day to day lives have been radically transformed. Most of us have had to embrace digital platforms to keep in touch with loved ones and to do everything else we need to from within the confinement of our own homes. It has been a tough time, and even now, with restrictions easing in the coming weeks and months, the way we deliver training will look very different for some time to come.

Since we are unable to be physically present, we have adopted a more blended delivery method for our services. Community support and development is as essential now, if not more so, as it has been in the past. That’s why our staff are taking to Zoom, Microsoft Teams, webinars, and video conferencing – so that our services can continue to support and empower communities.

Since the start of lockdown, we have delivered our most popular accredited course, Community Capacity Building, in the new digital format. Our trainer Karla has been working closely with the participants to ensure that classes run smoothly, providing technical support alongside course content. Karla has been using Google Classroom for online assessments and Zoom for virtual classroom sessions. Participants have noted that although restrictions are in place, it is incredibly positive that learning and development can continue.

“When I signed up to this course with Supporting Communities, I was so happy to receive the course materials and assessments because of how straightforward Karla made it, not just for me but for everyone. There was one assessment I struggled with, but Karla quickly helped me understand it better. She was a brilliant tutor to have. Cannot wait to start the level 2 course.”

Aidan Kearney, Senior Training Officer

As trainers, we are continually reminded of the vital role that Supporting Communities plays in the development of community groups. We are so glad we can continue to provide a training service through new mediums.

Supporting Communities has also been working in close partnership with OCN NI to develop a new online platform that will streamline the delivery of our accredited courses. The OCN NI platform will provide a complete learner experience, including virtual classrooms, online assessments, tutor feedback, and even a digital certificate when the course is completed.

Ultimately, we want to continue to reach as many people as possible. We have adapted our approaches to training delivery while providing quality courses in an approachable and friendly way that keeps everyone safe. We are glad to report, it is a process that is now in full swing!