Study a course safely

Some colleges have changed the way they operate in order to make students feel reassured and safe about doing a course.

National Learning Network (NLN) has two locations in Cork and offers a wide mix of options to students now, including the option to sample courses for a period of time for free.

Eoin Kelly, Area Manager with NLN, Model Farm Road said that two things they are really focusing on is a graduated step-in approach and part-time attendance.

“Arrangements can be made for a new student to gradually step-in to attend a course in the first month and so. We are also open to discussing and making the necessary arrangements for part-time attendance.

“Students like to have options. The blended approach works well because students have more choice. They are coming in for one to one work and I think group work will start to increase over the next few weeks. It’s a gradual step back in to courses approach,” he said.

“What I would say to new students or applicants is that NLN is really flexible. If you are anyway anxious about stepping in to a new course, we can do it gradually over the first month or so.

“If you aren’t comfortable with full time attendance, we can make arrangements for part time attendance. We can also offer the blend of learning from home and coming in to the centre. This isn’t something new,” he added.

“When you offer people the opportunity to sample a course without any pressure , they can feel relieved. Sometimes a teacher or a family member might not know if NLN is the right fit for a student. They like the idea that John or Mary can sample before they make up their mind.”