All members of our online communities in talk2learn receive support tailored to their needs. Members of Talking Heads will find that their online communities are supported by education professionals who act as facilitators. Members of professional development communities receive support from their programme tutors and learn to use the software as part of their studies.
NCSL also has general support available to help you get more out of online learning and our online learning community environment, talk2learn.
Online mentors do not, however, offer help with technical problems or programme-specific problems – these should be directed towards the helpdesk and/or programme providers.
| Support | Details | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Helpdesk | Telephone and email support for any talk2learn problems. Available 8am-9pm, Monday to Friday. Use the help desk for technical help such as passwords, usernames and using the tools available to you in talk2learn. | tel: 0845 609 0009 email: [email protected] |
| On-screen help | Context-sensitive help with talk2learn. | In talk2learn, click on ‘Help’ at the top of screen on the right. |
| Downloadable user guides | Quick start guide or a full user guide available for talk2learn. | Download the guides:
|
| Any Questions forum | This is an area within the NCSL in Dialogue community in talk2learn that provides you with an opportunity to ask questions and give feedback about using the online community environment. The section also contains support guides and tips. See also the Frequently Asked Questions page linked from this section | Access the talk2learn support page within NCSL in Dialogue. |
| Live, online Learning Gateway training | From your phone and computer via web conferencing. | Find out what training is available and book a place. |
| learn2learn online | Online training in the Learning Gateway to give you the knowledge and skills you need to become a confident online learner. Available to all users. | Access through the Learning Gateway: my learning > learn2learn online. |
| 100,000 heads are better than one | NCSL publication full of ideas, tips and insights drawn from our experience in the world’s largest online learning community, talk2learn. | Email: [email protected] with your postal address for a free copy or download it from our publications pages. |
| Online mentors | Online mentors are available free of charge to help and support any new Learning Gateway user or experienced user who wants to learn more. They offer personal, one-to-one help via email, note or phone and are available over extended periods. | In talk2learn, click on the drop-down community box and select ‘Getting started in talk2learn’. Follow the instructions to contact an online mentor. Alternatively, email [email protected]. |