Scottish Government

Area: Dumfries and Galloway.

Target client group

People working and living in rural areas of Dumfries and Galloway. Previous research (Barony College) identified a need for literacy and numeracy services for people working in the agricultural and land based sector. The research found that, due to the remote rural locations and the long working hours among this sector, the traditional group work learning approach was not feasible.

Aims

The aim was to look at the best methods to support distance and online learning in remote rural communities, particularly in relation to farms and farm workers. As there is limited experience of delivering core skills to dispersed rural communities in Scotland, the project aimed to identify the learning mode, or combination of learning modes, that best supports delivery in rural areas.

Activities

• The project provided a computer and internet access to all learners on the programme.
• One to one tutor support was given in the learner's own home.
• Learning materials were developed on a range of farming themes.
• A dedicated website - www.farmplus.com - was set up, containing the downloadable learning materials, a news section, texts with audio, an audio glossary with key words with definitions and sample sentences, interactive crosswords, word searches and cloze exercises, and a discussion forum for learners and tutors.
• A folder of paper-based learning materials was also developed

Challenges

• Identifying and engaging with potential learners within the farming community
• Co-ordinating a small number of learners over a region that covers 2,500 square miles
• Identifying tutors and training them in terms of technology and training materials
• The location of the learners meant we were not able to use Broadband
• Responding to demand from learners within the hours allocated to the project team

Lessons learned

• More lead in time needed to set up infrastructure
• Learners require their individual blend of materials and modes of learning therefore the range of materials and modes needs top be broad
• Pilot projects of this type require a flexible and adaptable approach

Intended pathfinder legacy

It is envisaged that the experience gained and methodologies developed will be brought into mainstream provision and become regarded as simply another way to deliver learning opportunities in Dumfries and Galloway.

Contact details