Transformation Fund: Learner's Viewpoint
A diverse range of people participated in the project as learners. We captured some of their experiences on the videos you can view through clicking on this box. We hope that you can relate to them, see their journey and feel inspired to pursue a new learning opportunity.
Each of the case studies below document the experiences of one of the learners on the project. Where they came from, their motivation and what they have gained from participating. We have provided a short description of each learner, if you relate to them, simply click on their name to view their story.
Some of these learners attended the Celebration Event that was held at Theale Gateway Centre on 29th April 2010. At the event some of them were filmed commenting on their experiences during the project.
Alan's Story
Alan is a retired paramedic and he shares his experiences of the importance of computers. He came to the family security and internet safety course at The CResCent to be better able to protect his grandchildren when he is using the computer with them.
Betty's Story
Betty was one of the learners from the U3A in Newbury. She was motivated to learn how to use email to communicate with her family members who are all over the world.
Frances' Story
Francis is a lady with a son and granddaughter who enjoys travelling in Denmark. She wanted to learn more about translating things into Danish to email her Danish friends abd to learn how to shop online.
Genta’s Story
Genta is from Albania and is in her twenties and lives in Slough. She wanted to learn to use the computer to improve her job prospects and to use in her spare time for her leisure interests.
Genta has been learning English as an ESOL learner through the WEA. She took part in sessions held by the WEA and led by Grania Wright.
Ian at the Celebration Event
Ian from Reading talks about the impact of his learning on the quality of his life. He relates how he has developed a greater understanding and more confidence.
Ian's Story
Ian was a learner from New Directions in Reading. He talks about how he has chosen to pursue learning to increase his job prospects and on his social and other skills.
Jenny's Story
Jenny is one of the participants from U3A in Newbury. She had previously had quite negative experiences with computers and those teaching her. She decided to come on the course to learn the basics. She shares her experiences and the positive impact it has had for her.
June's Story
June is a retired lady who actively volunteers at the WRVS in Maidenhead. She came to learn how to use a computer after never using one before. She wanted to learn about email, finding things of interest online and online shopping.
Mary's Story
Mary is a lady who came to Grow Our Own to improve her skills for work. She has dyslexia and because of this she had been reluctant to learn how to use the computer. She tells us how learning a computer has helped her.
Click on the video to see Mary share her experiences of the Berkshire Digital Learning Champions Project.
Maureen's Story
Maureen is a lady who came to Grow Our Own to learn how to use a computer. She had a phobia of learning to use the computer and she tells us how her learning has helped her.
Maureen increased her confidence and her abilities through visiting Grow Our Own and taking part in the project.