Over 200,000 Further Education learners enrol on ETF’s Side by Side online Prevent modules

Since being launched in July 2017, 200,000 learners have enrolled on the Side by Side online Prevent duty modules.

Side by Side is a free online resource for learners across the Further Education and Training Sector, funded by the Department for Education (DfE).

The resource, shortlisted for both the ‘Best learning technologies project – public & non-profit sector’ and the ‘Excellence in the design of learning content – public & non-profit sector’ awards at the 2018 Learning Technology Awards, provides engaging learning modules about extremism and radicalisation, staying safe online, deciding what you can trust and British values.

Selina Stewart, the Education and Training Foundation’s Prevent duty expert, said:

“It is excellent that over 200,000 learners have enrolled on the free, easy to use and learner friendly Side by Side modules, developed with Leo Learning.  

“This huge take up shows the high level of commitment the Further Education sector has had in responding to the potential risks posed by extremism and radicalisation, however, we would like to see an even wider range of providers using this resource.”

In a survey of teaching and training staff who had used the module with learners, it was reported that the modules have improved learners’ understanding of:

• Radicalisation and Extremism, 93% of respondents
• What Can You Trust? 98% of respondents
• The Staying Safe Online, 96% of respondents
• The British Values, 90% of respondents

The resources can be used individually online or in groups in a blended learning mode. To meet the needs of a broad range of learners, ETF and LEO Learning developed a product that is highly visual, uses video and drama to engage, stop motion animation to reinforce learning and interactive exercises and assessments to check learning.

Side by Side was designed to suit the needs of learners from Entry 3 to Level 3 and to engage learners from diverse backgrounds.

The Side by Side online modules are part of ETF’s wider Prevent duty support programme which includes a series on online courses for staff and face-to-face Continuing Professional Development (CPD).

The modules are run in parallel to the Prevent training and modules available for FE teachers and trainers who have a legal responsibility under the Prevent duty to make sure that they have undertaken training in the Prevent duty and report concerns when they arise.