b ackground the open learning centre(olc) has been a dedicated learning centre for 25 years. it is...

Open Learning CentreServices 2011

Background

The Open Learning Centre(OLC) has been a dedicated learning centre for 25 years. It is the only one of its kind, based in a public library, here in Ireland. It is a tribute to the Library ethos of Life Long Learning and has responded to the changing demographic that is Dublin in the 21st century. The challenge of language provision to migrants continues. Now re-training for all is a priority.

The Client at the Centre of all that we do.

Goals

Foster cultural integration.Provide a safe organic environment for

students in which to study.Respond to the changing needs of our

clients by constantly researching and updating resources for language and computer learning.

To provide the very best courses free of charge for students regardless of ethnicity, age, or social background.

The Open Learning Centre

Information

“Tell Me More” On-line Language Learning Program in 8 languages, through 18 languages.

9 other English-Learning websites such as the British Council, BBC English Learning and Multimedia English Classroom.

124 Languages covered in cd-rom format14 computer courses on offer.E.C.D.L. 5 introduced in 2010C.L.A.I.T. (computer literacy and information

technology) introduced in 2008, forms part of G.C.S.E. exam syllabus in the U.K.

Tell Me More Launch

Tell Me More

Language Learning Services

Over 900 hours of on-line language learning available per week

Over 300 hours of Language Learning / Computer courses on cd-rom, including Typing.

156 hours of audio language learning per week.

English courses available through 18 different languages on-line and even more on cd-roms.

CD-Rom CoverageLanguages ranging from Afrikaans to Zulu

(including Irish) may be studied.

Levels ranging from basic

to advanced.Instructions given in up

to 113 languages.

Language Learning Services contd.,

Study books for all the major English courses(IELTS, FCE, CAE, CPE etc) and also teachers’ books.

English Language Learners Book Club.Foreign Language periodicals in 8 languages. Graded readers available to borrow.8 Conversations exchanges including Irish,

Italian, Russian, Japanese, Spanish, German, French and Multilingual.

Conversation Exchange

Other Services

Our 14 separate computer courses are suitable for all students, with levels from basic to advanced.

Driver Theory Test available on 6 computers.Dublin Public Libraries Attendance

Certificate after 50 hours of study.48 hours of basic internet training.

Attendance Certificate

Certificate of Attendance

awarded after 50 hours of

study.

Other Services Continued…Facilitator of the Institute of Linguistics

Examination.Open University information provider.Facilitator of Talks, Exhibitions, Events in the

Central Library.Client specific computer for the visually

impaired assisted by the MAGIC and JAWS software.

Visually Impaired Technology

Cultural Events 2010 20 exhibitions and 56 book displays417 events focusing on other cultures and 6

major exhibitions relating to other cultures87 events of a cultural nature relating

primarily to Irish culture. 5 major exhibitions were on Irish culture.

Ambassadors from 18 Embassies visited the Centre in 2010.

Cultural Event

Lord Mayor of Dublin and Chinese Ambassador review Exhibition

Forgotten People Exhibition

Photography Exhibition

Polish Ambassador views Holocaust Exhibition

Lord Mayor and Bulgarian Ambassador view Exhibition

And…Involved in 1st inter-cultural schools art

Exhibition for the inner city.(R.A.P.I.D.)D.I.S.C. Project ( Dublin Inner City

Digitalization Programme)Facilitator of Summer Project, seasonal

events. Developed, in partnership with NWICN

and CIS, the “Find Your Way” Directory of essential services for migrants in 5 languages. This was launched by President Mc Aleese.

DISC Event

Migrant Directory Launch

Tatjana Petrova, “nothing is impossible!”

What our students said…Paddy O’Connor , 65IrishStudying Japanese for new life in JapanHe says…

“I continued to make slow progress until I came across the Tell Me More Program offered at Dublin City Library. Using Tell Me More and with the help and encouragement of the Library staff, I made unbelievably rapid progress, to the extent of being able to take a 10 week course in Japanese in 2010. I'm looking forward to my next trip to Japan to put it all together and to do sales promotion work on behalf of English Language schools etc”.

And… Radioslaw Sitar , 48SlovakianStudying Advanced EnglishHe says…

“I worked as a police officer for 22 years in Slovakia and came to Ireland to make a new life for me and my family. I had no English when I arrived and studied in the Open Learning Centre. I am now at advanced level. I got a job in Tesco and attended the Start Your Own Business course in the Central Library. I have a new job in the Garda Ombudsman's Office where I help other newcomers to this country. We have settled here and enjoy our new life”

Finally,Tatjana Petrova, 62Russian NationalStudying Business English.She said…“To be or not to be, to survive or not to survive, how

can you integrate without language?” Tatjana, a former ballerina from Russia describes her start here as a “cleaner with zero English” Through dedication and application she got a job in a major retail store and is now studying Business English. She appreciates the great patience of the Learning Centre's staff and hopes to open her own Dance School. She recognises that she needs a level of English to accomplish this, and studies daily between shifts to achieve this. She financially supports her daughter's education and is working hard on her new “second life” and doing a great job. She is currently awaiting her Irish Citizenship.

Media Coverage

Awards2005 Runner up in NALA ACE Awards2006 Ambassador of Languages Award, Léargas

“for excellence in the field of language learning”2007 Irish Times Award, Highly Commended in

the Business in the Community category2008 Star Awards Aontas, Highly Commended in

the Dublin Regional Category.2009 Star Awards, Highly Commended.2010 Chambers, Excellence in Local Government

Awards, runner up in best Library Service Category.

AwardsStar Awards 2011 Category: “Learning for Work”“Outstanding

contribution to Adult Learning”

2012?Provision of Microsoft Academy online IT

courses available through 8 languages(currently investigating line strength)Information sheets in 8 languages for Tell Me

More Campus.Develop virtual conversation exchange with

group in Italy.Increase language provision to 134 languages.To provide language courses to all both on site

and in the virtual field.To enhance life chances for all.