Raising the bar on remote learning

Apprenticeship providers will never forget the upheaval of COVID-19 forcing them to switch to online learning, virtually overnight. But although the shift was tough, for some, it has proved to be a 'blessing in disguise'. 

In this article, customers share how they gained benefits from successfully adopting remote learning - creating plans, setting tasks, safeguarding apprentices and even supporting learners through gateway and EPA.  

Read tips from our panel - comprising Lisa Parish, head of quality improvement at West Suffolk College and Sue Bright, operations manager at Exeter College. It's a fast-track use case that can help providers, long after the pandemic. 

Stick to your normal routine

Providers told us it was important to continue with 'business as usual' as best they could throughout the disruption, to keep learners engaged and on track. They said Onefile supported consistency - enabling them to continue to plan work, set assignments and goals, provide feedback and schedule reviews - hassle free. Thanks to Onefile, they could also explain to learners how tasks contributed to their final grades - which helped to keep them engaged. 

"Right from the start of lockdown, we inducted learners, completed initial assessments, delivered training and completed reviews remotely. With Onefile, we could support learners, no matter what." 

Sue Bright, operations manager - Exeter College 

Create meaningful online content

Providers told us that Onefile enabled them to create and assign content for learners to complete remotely. They could also share additional, new resources and content like quizzes, to keep momentum, support knowledge and prepare apprentices for EPA. 

Complete reviews remotely

Providers agreed that reviews are critical and could not be disrupted. Thanks to Onefile, they were able to continue delivery - hassle free - throughout a highly challenging chapter.  

In fact, the providers we spoke to increased the frequency of reviews in their schedule - because it proved more efficient and effective to complete them remotely, using OneFile.  

 Concentrate on progress

Online reviews enabled providers to track progress, provide feedback, and organise informal catch ups - helping learners feel supported and motivated with their learning. 

Tutors took a measured view to optimising progress - using Onefile's gap analysis tool to identify gaps in learning, offer support and produce individual learning plans to optimise results. In addition, learners could see their percentage completion rates increasing as they went, which increased motivation and ownership of their apprenticeships. 

In parallel, progress reviews became critical for monitoring learners' mental health and wellbeing. 

Keep everyone informed 

Our panel also used Onefile's announcement feature to keep people informed, communicate organisational updates, and share top tips for looking after mental health. 

"We've used the announcements feature to communicate with our entire student and staff population. We started with a motivational message from our vice principal and are now sending out weekly wellbeing advice to all learners." 

Lisa Parish, head of quality improvement, West Suffolk College 

It all goes to show that Onefile can help hundreds of providers to maintain quality delivery - no matter how challenging the environment.  

To find out exactly how Onefile works and how it can help you deliver apprenticeships 100% remotely, download your complete guide to remote learning.