Digital Skills in rural settings using Learn My Way

This guide will help you to: 

• Support learners who live in rural areas and struggle to access digital skills training.
• Embed Learn My Way into training.
• Use Learn My Way as an assessment tool.

Challenges rural learners face with digital

Lack of broadband connectivity

• Find venues such as village halls, cafes and public houses which offer free wifi.
• Have alternative ways to connect to the internet, eg smartphones or MiFis.
• Register your organisation as a Databank and provide them with free data.

Lack of awareness of available services

• Put up notices, do press releases, advertise in the printed press.
• A good place to have a poster is a vets surgery.

Travel barriers

• Offer outreach sessions in venues with free parking.
• Check for and plan around available community transport. See shopmobility for details.

Opportunities to engage rural learners

Reduce social isolation. Run events that include some digital leaning but where digital isn’t the focus. E.g. coffee mornings, digital outreach groups, and tea parties. Use the opportunity to show them how the internet can help them keep in touch with friends, view online entertainment, for example. 

Build Partnerships. Cross promote your services and connect with more people. For example, work with GPs or social prescribers to get patients using online services, like the NHS Diet App. 

Making the most of Learn My Way

Facilitate small group sessions as needed. Consider general and topic based drop in sessions, eg staying safe online.

Make sure learners know how to contact you for support outside of sessions. Offer telephone and email support or to meet face-to-face support if required.

Use Learn My Way as an assessment tool. Encourage people to use Learn My Way and watch what they find easy and what is a challenge. This will help you to assess the support they need. 

Encourage peer-to-peer mentoring. 

Useful subjects on Learn My Way

Managing your health online. Many people live miles away from their GP. Being able to book appointments and order a prescription online makes life easier.

Managing your money online. Most villages and market towns no longer have banks. Knowing how to bank online puts the customer back in control.

Spending money online. A lack of transport and the cost of travel make the ability to shop online a helpful skill.

Staying in touch. Being able to message or video call a relative or a friend can combat loneliness. 

Other resources

One Digital developing digital skills in rural communities. 

Digital Unite technology guides help supporting digital skills.

Idea  free mini courses to develop digital, enterprise and employability skills.

Hi Digital  online course from Vodafone, designed for anyone who needs a bit of help developing their digital skills, particularly those who have rarely been online.

Rural digital  a guide to setting up and running a rural digital hub.

The European Network for Rural Development a hub for exchange of information on how rural development policy, programmes, projects and other initiatives.

Ofcom social tariffs cheaper broadband and phone packages for people claiming Universal Credit, Pension Credit and some other benefits.

National Databank free mobile data, texts and calls to people in need.