Learning remotely with SS&L

A tutor teaches face to face in a SS&L centre with other learners.

A tutor combines teaching face to face in a SS&L centre and teaching with other learners remotely via Zoom, which is a video conferencing platform.

A tutor teaches remotely via Zoom. A learner joins the lesson with other learners following a link on a computer, a laptop or a tablet. The learner studies from their own home and ideally needs a webcam and a microphone to participate.

The learner works independently on a course accessed by logging onto a secure website. The learner uses the resources to study at their own pace and submits assessments when required. A tutor oversees their progress and is available to answer queries by phone or email.

Learners will continue to have access to our virtual learning platforms including E-track, E-assessor, Learning Assistant, Moodle and BKSB.

Any changes to assessments will be based on guidance from the relevant awarding body. SS&L continues to keep up to date with the latest assessment arrangements including remote assessment.

Timetabling of remote lessons will be arranged around availability of learners and tutors, whilst taking into account any additional needs.

• Be on time. Sessions will start and finish according to the timetable. If you join late, please don’t interrupt the session. Remain silent. Your tutor will support you.
• Be prepared. Come to the meeting with a positive attitude and with any course materials or resources that you have been asked to have ready.
• Where possible, choose a quiet location – away from pets, children, etc. Turn off the TV and any music.
• Be ready to take part. Not everybody is confident in speaking up within a group, especially when you don’t already know other learners. However, to make the most of your learning experience we ask that you share ideas, ask questions and contribute to the discussions.

• Remember that your password is the only thing protecting you from pranks or more serious harm.
• Don’t share your password with anyone.
• Change your password if you think someone else might know it.
• Only share an email address or other personal information if necessary and when you know it is safe.
• If using a webcam, think about what is in view behind you – is it something you don’t want others to see?

• Be respectful of others and their opinions.
• Be careful with personal information (both yours and others’).
• Beware of using reply all – does everyone need to see your message?
• Remember to stay on topic. Is this relevant to your subject?
• Remember to listen and not talk over each other – this comes with practice! Mute yourself when not talking.
• The site’s owners and moderators have the final say in enforcing the rules.
• Please do not to write or say anything that you wouldn’t say to someone’s face and always think about how you would feel if you were receiving it.
• Please remember we still need to keep each other safe. If you are concerned about your own or another person’s safety, please tell your tutor or report it to our Safeguarding Officer, Justin Speirs.

SS&L is committed to providing all learners with the tools and access they need to learn.

SS&L have purchased a set of laptops that have been set up for learners to use at home who would otherwise not be able to access the teaching and learning available. These can be used for basic internet, Office and Zoom and can help learners without access to IT to progress with their learning.

Any learner requiring a laptop should contact their tutor in the first instance.

SS&L understands that financial support has an important role in helping remove barriers to participation in learning. Through our Education & Skills Funding Agency (ESFA) contracts we are able to provide the following financial support for our learners: