Horizon Community Training are pleased to announce ‘Horizon Online’, our virtual learning environment that connects with our learners, not only during these difficult times but also far into the future.
It is a flexible and useful tool, indispensable to all levels of education. We have made sure that all our courses are supported and are deliverable using Horizon Online.
Whenever classroom training is not possible our virtual classrooms provide engaging lessons delivered remotely by a tutor using a webcam and video conferencing software.
In addition, learners on all our courses are able to access course materials, assignments and worksheets at any time. They will learn how to collaborate and learn vital communication skills that will serve them well when they are in employment.
We believe that the ability to function effectively in the online environment, whilst having been increasingly important in life, is now positively essential due to the restrictions the COVID-19 virus crisis has forced on everyone. The online world is as vibrant and valid as any other realm of human interaction and people today are being challenged to learn how to communicate effectively and successfully within it.
Being able to use Facebook and Instagram is not enough if you want to get the best out of the opportunities that communication technology can provide. Collaboration and working in teams are essential skills; posting comments and photos is entertaining and enjoyable but only for a few people does that provide gainful opportunities. Not everyone can be an influencer! Who would be left to influence?
So what exactly is online learning?
It is a combination of a number of things and to some extent can be divided into two types of activity.
Synchronous learning refers to all types of learning in which learner(s) and tutor(s) are in the same place, at the same time, in order for learning to take place. This includes in-person classes and live, online meetings when the whole class or smaller groups get together
In the context of Horizon Online it is a virtual classroom using any of a number of systems, such as Microsoft Teams or Zoom. A course that also involves face to face classroom time as well as online activities can be called hybrid learning.
Asynchronous learning does not require same-time, same place interaction; instead, content is available online for leaners to access when it suits their schedules, and assignments are completed to deadlines.
With Horizon Online tutors will send learners worksheets, presentations and video clips as well as making available recordings of teaching sessions; everything that a learner needs to complete assignments.
A combination of the two is described as blended learning and is very effective, as it accommodates those who have preferred learning styles. The different activities complement each other and overlap. If you have difficulty with one type of activity you may be more comfortable with another. You will never be lost.
Horizon Online helps to ensure that learners can access the learning they need.
