How to be a Digital Activist

Course aim:

To introduce potential Digital Activists to all elements of the role and support them to identify and develop the skills needed to fulfil the role.

The topics to be covered:

• The 3 different DA roles
• Health & Safety issues
• Communication and development skills
• Reporting, record keeping and internal communication and boundaries
• Equality and Diversity / being inclusive
• CRB checking, Child protection and work with Vulnerable adults
• Use of moodle, ning, facebook and twitter and other engagement tools

Requirements of learners (e.g. prior knowledge etc)

In order to successfully complete this course and progress to active volunteering within the DAIN project learners will:

• Have some experience of using IT
• Be willing to learn and develop new skills
• Be friendly, approachable and open to new opportunities

Learning outcomes:

By the end of this course you will be able to:

• Explain the aims of the project
• Identify the 3 different roles a Digital Activist can perform and which areas they would like to get involved in
• Identify ways to overcome barriers to communication and community involvement
• Recognise importance of health and safety to self and others
• Identify and use a range of tools and activities to engage members of the public in use of technology

Teaching/learning methods to be used:

Teaching methods will be through a range of discussion groups and activities designed to promote confidence and develop learning skills. Some will be carried out as a whole group, some in smaller groups and others paired with another member of the group.

Essential books and equipment

• All resources will be provided.

Financial help

• If you need help with paying for transport, childcare or other essential costs, you may be entitled to financial support.  Please contact dain@wea.org.uk  for further details, or ask to see the learner induction leaflet Services for Learners at your local WEA office, or you can apply through your tutor. We will treat all requests confidentially and with respect in accordance with our Learner Support Policy.

Help with learning

• If you have a disability or learning difficulty, let us know as early as possible so that we can make arrangements to provide you with support. We will treat requests for help confidentially and with respect.

Help with English, Maths or Study Skills

• You are also entitled to extra help and support with English, Maths and Study Skills. This can be arranged by the tutor on your behalf or ideally contact dain@wea.org.uk so we can organise it for the start of the course.

Possible further study/progression

• After successful completion of the course, you will be ready to progress on to active volunteering within the DAIN project. You may like to progress on to an accredited volunteer course or teacher training, and we will be happy to give you information about such progression routes.

 Please also see Next Step for information on other learning opportunties or help building a CV.