Project Overview

Open Learning CentreServices 2011

1BackgroundThe 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.

GoalsFoster 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.

4The Open Learning Centre

InformationTell 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.

6Tell Me More Launch

Tell Me More

Replace photo8Language Learning ServicesOver 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.

98 conversation exchangesCD-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.

Iol ou11Conversation Exchange

Other ServicesOur 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.13Attendance Certificate

Certificate of Attendance awarded after 50 hours of study.

Other Services ContinuedFacilitator 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 2010.17Cultural Event

Lord Mayor of Dublin and Chinese Ambassador review Exhibition

Forgoten people19Forgotten People Exhibition

Photography Exhibition

Forgoten people21Polish Ambassador views Holocaust Exhibition

Lord Mayor and Bulgarian Ambassador view Exhibition

AndInvolved 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.

24Add photos of disc, find your way launch 4DISC Event

Migrant Directory Launch

Tatjana Petrova, nothing is impossible!

What our students saidPaddy OConnor , 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 saidTo 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, Largas for excellence in the field of language learning2007 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 WorkOutstanding 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.34