What is e-learning?
E-learning is any form of learning which is delivered using electronic technology. It includes learning that is delivered via CD learning materials, DVD learning materials, Intranet and the internet on-line learning. E-learning can be ‘off-the-shelf’ in the form of generic learning packages, or it can be developed in a bespoke customised form.

How is e-learning being used?
E-learning is growing in popularity as a way of supporting the development of people.

In its basic form, it can be a way of displaying information on a screen for people to access at any time. Interactive e-learning involves the use of activities where learners complete tasks or work through learning scenarios and case studies.

More recently, technology has allowed the development of virtual learning using avatars. Avatars and virtual worlds allow the learner to develop skills and knowledge through carrying out tasks and activities, a bit like simulators for flight.

'Accessible, flexible e-learning'

2. Blend the e-learning with other forms of learning to provide a rounded learning solution. For example, use e learning to provide the knowledge and understanding required to support the delivery of skills training.

3. Link your e-learning to your training records. Establish a system that can easily generate training records, recording progress and achievement within training programmes.

What are the benefits e-learning?
1. Accessibility:·
New staff can start training immediately· Part-time staff and shift workers can learn as part of their normal routines· Access to all forms of media is easy· Consistency within training, whenever and wherever it is delivered

2. Flexibility:·
People can learn at their own pace, anywhere at any time· Access can be “bite sized” to suit busy work loads· Learning materials can be easily up-dated and adapted· Learning materials can be easily blended with other forms of learning

3. Cost effectiveness:·
Training available in the workplace, saving on travel etc· Training prepared to exactly meet an organisation’s needs · Reducing the time required to train staff· Simultaneous access for an unlimited number of employees

What is a learning platform?
A learning platform is a secure space on the web set up to allow the holding, display and access of electronic learning materials. Learners can also be assessed on-line

How do learning platforms work?
Learning materials held on the site can be accessed by learners who hold a secure password, which is unique to them. Learners work through training programmes and interactive activities

What are the benefits of learning platforms?

• Learning platforms provide a mechanism for hosting e-learning materials and for carrying out secure assessment online.
• Platforms support the training process by holding training resources in a secure environment. Access to resources is password protected and controlled by the site administrator.
• Bespoke programming allows automatic development of training records and a recording mechanism to track individual learning activity which can be automatically up-dated.
• Access to learning records to support the management of the learning process is simple yet secure.
• Platforms demonstrate evidence of training and compliance within an organisation.

How important are internet passwords?
A user name and password is normally all that stands between a hacker and your personal account on a website. Most people use simple passwords such as a spouse’s name or birthday. You may think that you are the only one who would think of that, but in reality, it’s very common. However, there is no point in creating a password that is so complicated you cannot remember it. The following will help you to generate a unique password that is easy to remember and difficult to crack.

How hackers crack passwords?
There are three methods that a hacker will use to gain access to your protected areas;

• Brute force - This is the most time consuming method and involves the hacker using a program that tries to guess your password by putting in every number, letter, and keyboard character, then trying two character combinations, then three and so on.
• Dictionary attacks - This method makes use of custom dictionaries that are filled with not only words and names but also number and letter combinations. This program will guess most people’s passwords as they tend to be names of girlfriends, pets etc…
• Social engineering - This is the most effective method and involves the hacker soliciting the password directly from the user. Many people give away there passwords to friends, colleagues and even strangers with out even realising they have done so.

The longer the password the more exponentially difficult it becomes to crack. According to password experts a password that is 8 characters in length and utilises higher and lower case characters, numbers, and other keyboard characters will not be cracked for two years.

What makes a bad password?
Do not use only letters or only numbers. Do not use the names of your spouse, children, girlfriend/boyfriend or pets. Do not use phone numbers, national insurance numbers or birthdays. Do not use the same word as your login or any variation of it. Do not use any word that can be found in the dictionary. Some of the worst passwords are: password, drowssap, admin, 123456, and the name of your company or department. Finally, never leave it blank.

'Blended learning programme'

How to make a good password?
There is no point generating a password that will take a hacker a long time to crack if you cannot remember it yourself. There are two effective methods when it comes to generating a good password and keeping them memorable:

• Substituting letters with characters and numbers in a familiar word e.g. if you wanted to use the word "password" as your password, you could change some of the characters to form p@7sw0rd! It uses a combination of higher and lower case characters, numbers, and other keyboard characters making it tricky to crack, but relatively easy to remember.
• Use the first letters of a favourite line of poetry or song lyric, then substitute some of the letters for numbers or characters e.g. “Hail, hail the lucky ones, I refer to those in love" becomes "H,hTL0,IR2t1L."

How often should you change it?
If you feel that someone may have seen you entering your password then it is time for a change. You can never be too careful when it comes to your security. Normally you should change your passwords at least a couple of times a year.

What is Cyber Bullying?
Cyber bullying is any form of bullying that takes place electronically, not just on the internet but also via text messages. The most common form of cyber bullying is via IM's (Instant Messenger) and emails. However, cyber bullying is become more and more common in other forms of on-line communication such as blogs and social networking sites. One in four schoolchildren in the UK has been subjected to some form of cyber bullying, normally by someone they know. Resource Initiatives has produced a CD called SafeSurfin which covers topics such as how to recognise the signs of bullying and and ways to combat it. You can order your copy of SafeSurfin now by contacting Resource Initiatives. This e-mail address is protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

How can I protect my children whilst they are using the internet?
Some of the best pieces of advice given are:Think about where the computer is! Site it in a common area where you are able to see the screen. If you are able to walk past and view the screen at any time then your child will be less likely to do any thing they should not. Never allow them to have a computer in their room, as you cannot supervise them!

Make sure you talk to your children, explain the dangers of the internet to them and encourage them to be open with you and to tell you about anything that they see on-line that they are not sure about.

Use your computers internet history to see what sites your children visit.

There is plenty of good advice on child safety in RI’s SafeSurfin CD. To find out more about ordering your copy contact us This e-mail address is protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it now.