Team of lecturers from University of Northampton launch free-to-all online community learning lessons

A team of university lecturers is preparing to launch online learning courses to help the wider community through the pandemic.

CoOL (Community of Online Learning) is aimed at those who want extra support for home schooling, or advice about their physical or mental health.

Sessions will cover psychological wellbeing and stress management, physical health or getting youngsters to eat their greens.

Others will shine a light on home schooling to help parents and carers support children with topics such as English, maths and art and all will be completely free to everyone.

David Cousens deputy dean of the Faculty of Health, Education and Society and Dr Jane Murray, associate professor, developed the ‘CoOL’ programme.

Jane said: “The final days of coronavirus restrictions are coming, but are still some time away, so it is as important as ever for the university to extend a helping hand to people in our local community, and beyond.

“These ‘classes over a cuppa’ are perfect for lockdown parents with children looking for support with home schooling, people who want a general health and wellbeing pick-me-up, or those with inquiring minds who are keen to learn something new.

"CoOL is about logging on and learning in an hour or less to help you find your way through a new and sometimes confusing world.

“CoOL sessions are for your enjoyment, interest and personal benefit, but they are not academic lectures.

“We want to give people ‘butterfly moments’, as university experts-in-their-field open windows onto worlds they are passionate about.

“The team and I are really looking forward to talking with people and following them on what is a new and exciting journey for them and us.”

Sessions start on Friday (February 26) and will last between 30 minutes and an hour.

The lessons are open to all aged over 18, whether they are from Northamptonshire or not.

No prior knowledge is needed and there will be time at the end of each learning event for questions and answers.

For further information about the sessions, a full timetable and how to book a place, visit the university’s website.

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