Kelly attends the onsite LBS program Valley Adult Learning Association (VALA) in Fort Frances, Ontario(350 km West of Thunder Bay) as a client of WSIB. His onsite instructor at VALA, Kim, shares the following:
Kelly worked for many years in the heating and air conditioning trade but was injured and now has to re-train for a new profession. It was identified that Kelly had Grade 9 education and low digital technology skills. He started his computer training in October 2017 with us and felt very out of touch with the world of computers and thought that computers were for young people. He also has low vision and that was a significant barrier to be able to see things on the screen. We were able to help Kelly accommodate for his vision needs and enroll him in some computer courses which quickly helped him to gain relevant employability skills. He has come a long way and learned a great deal in a short amount of time. He particularly enjoyed learning about Google apps and YouTube.
VALA referred Kelly to Good Learning Anywhere (GLA) to take some additional online courses and since then Kelly has completed Computer Use Essential Skills Level 1 and is working on Level 2 & 3 through Independent learning in PLATO. He has attended Introduction to Online Learning, Is Math in Your Path? and Just Google It – Email, Maps and More in SABA. In MOODLE, he has completed the short courses Office Administration Essential Skills and the Online Job Application course. Currently, Kelly is enrolled in Creating Documents.
Kelly is a dedicated learner who logs into his lessons each week. Despite challenges, Kelly has persevered and made significant progress towards his goal. I am really proud of Kelly and all that he has accomplished so far. I look forward to seeing what he does next! – Robyn L (GLA online Mentor)
Kelly was a learner in the Just Google it! course I recently taught. Initially, he was very reserved and didn’t want to communicate using his microphone, but after a few sessions he had overcome his shyness and became a very active participant. Kelly enjoyed the course, particularly the information on using Google Hangouts! He has grandchildren who don’t live close so he quickly realized how technology could be used in his everyday life to keep in touch with them regularly. – Elysa (GLA Online Instructor)
How did you first hear about online learning with Good Learning Anywhere?
WSIB referred me to Valley Adult Learning Association to start a Back to Work program.
Did you have any struggles during your learning? If so, how did you overcome them?
My vision was poor and I had difficulty seeing my lessons on the computer. VALA helped me get new glasses. I needed to upgrade my computer skills and VALA helped introduce me to online learning (with GLA) and gave me new confidence and job skills.
What advice do you have for someone thinking about starting to improve their skills?
Find something that interests you, get the required computer skills and apply for jobs.
What is your greatest achievement? Or what accomplishment are you most proud of?
I am very proud to have achieved the February 2018 Learner of the Month Award.
What are your goals for the future?
Increase my computer skills for job readiness.
Is there anyone you would like to thank for supporting you on this journey?
I would like to thank my instructors Kim Redford and Maureen Belluz at Valley (Adult) Learning Association for all their assistance and support.
Is there anything else you would like to share with people about winning this award?
This is my first achievement award and I am very happy with the progress I have made learning new skills. Thank you again to everyone who helped me along my journey.