ICT Hub Newsletter - the Training Issue
Lack of time and lack of money usually equals no training. But what difference does training make, what can you and your organisation do better and how can you find the time? You might regret not reading this...
Articles
· IT training in the voluntary sector: Why isn't ICT training working and what can we do about it? Read article
· Organisational benefits of training: Investing in training can make a real difference to your organisation and support your core objectives. Read article
· Training - an action plan to save money and deliver better services: How ICT training impacts you and what to do about it right now. Read article
Case studies of the month
Training issues...
· What difference Can ICT make to your organisation - Read case-study
· Training individuals and the impact on your organisation - www.digitalunite.net/community_cases.php and www.digitalunite.net/community_video.php
Resources from ICT Hub Knowledgebase
New this month...
· "Who's that I just talked to?" Contact management for the voluntary sector-
Track organisational constituents and donations read
· Website Disclaimers - Why have them and what should you include?
Develop a disclaimer for your website read
· Virtual press office - What is a Virtual Press Office? read
· Feed your content to the world - How to create syndication of your website content read
· How does your organisation plan its ICT training?
Tell us what you think on the Knowledgebase poll take part
See www.icthubknowledgebase.org.uk for full details.
Resources and news from the ICT Hub and around the web
Circuit Rider Principles
The ICT Hub Circuit Rider Training and Standards Project working with ICT professionals across the UK have developed a set of best practice principles for ICT professionals working in the voluntary sector. Find out more and sign up to them at www.ukriders.info/principles
ICT Skills Gap in the Voluntary and Community Sector
The strategic use of ICT is identified as the top skills gap in the sector. Read findings or if you would like to read the full report, this is available to purchase or download as a pdf file from the Workforce Hub website
The top 100 tools for learning
Could you make more of developing and delivering content and sharing and communicating with some of these tools? Top Tools for 2008
Supporting people with digital technology
Training is as much about individuals as organisations. What's being done to support older people and how can you get involved? Find out about digital mentoring in Greater Manchester www.digitall.org.uk and digital inclusion for older people at Digital Unite www.digitalunite.net
Wikis for learning
At last, a straightforward but entertaining demonstration of what a Wiki is and why you should use one Wikis in Plain English. Find out how it can be used for learning in your organisation or community with help from the Knowledgebase and learn how to set one up yourself with this video from Boston College which will help put ideas into perspective. www.socialtext.com/whatisawiki
A few good registration tools
If you're running training or events, this review of event registration software and online tools may make your life easier. Idealware - Registration Tools
The Case Study Bites Back
Paul Caplan on why people should tell their own stories rather than rely on us to do it - the Case Study Bites Back!
"The most exciting example of grassroots web politics"
How does the web help a group of local people sit up, get noticed and make their case in East London? www.friendsofqueensmarket.org.uk/
Home access to technology
The Department for Children, Families and Schools are seeking views on the proposed Home Access programme. It aims to ensure that every family with 5-19 year old learners in England has access to learning where and when they need it through access to ICT resources and support at home. Home Access
Is social networking for you?
Following up on last issue's articles, Idealware looks at opportunities and risks. Idealware - Should you Social Network?
Training help needed?
Wherever you are in England, contact an ICT Hub regional champion who will be able to signpost you to local support. If you need any help with training why not check out the ICT Hub Suppliers Directory, find a volunteer at IT4Communities or find a training event in the Events section www.icthub.org.uk/events
New technology
If you want to get up to speed with new technology and learn more about wikis, podcasts and blogs visit the ICT Hub Café discussion forum where an online panel of experts is available to answer your questions on any aspect of New Media. Alternatively have a look around the site and join current discussions on ICT in the sector http://forums.icthub.org.uk/
ICT Hub Publications
Good news! - the ICT Hub publications are newly designed and now back in stock. If you would like to order any, please go to the website www.icthub.org.uk/publications
Training courses
Media Communications: Could your organisation benefit from specialist Third Sector communications training in 2008? Media Trust is offering a range of FREE and affordable training in the key areas of new media communications, marketing, and PR. Click here for our complete training event listings
Helping groups to identify and plan their ICT needs: 14 February - York/ 18 March - Manchester
This is a practical course for development workers to gain an understanding of how to best advise groups on aspects of ICT - for example planning, funding, writing a strategy and where to look for support with getting ICT equipment. Following the success of last autumn's workshops in partnership with the NAVCA SKiLD project, there are two more opportunities this year to do the course. Please click on the links for further information: 14 February, York or 18 March - Manchester
ICT Hub Circuit Rider Training & Standards Project - Effective Technology Advising: March 1st, Birmingham
This one-day course for Circuit Riders and other VCS IT professionals will help non-profit consultants to improve their practice and be more effective advisers. Relevant to both beginners and those with experience; topics will include the stages of a consulting project, the non-profit consulting environment and creating mutually satisfying working relationships. The course will follow on from the Circuit Rider Conference (above) on Saturday 1st March at BVSC, Birmingham. Places are limited and you are advised to book quickly. For further information please email Ian Runeckles at iruneckles@lasa.org.uk or call 020 7426 4473
ICT Hub Events 2008
ICT Hub event - Embracing Arts
Whether it be using a database to manage the contacts for your dance event, using a free piece of software to edit a piece of music, showcasing your artwork on an online gallery, or collaborating with other arts groups using blogs and wikis; technology can be used in all aspects of the arts. This one day event in partnership with Voluntary Arts England is designed to help arts organisations understand how to get the most from ICT in order to efficiently and cost-effectively deliver their activities and reach and manage their audiences. Further details
ICT Hub Mental Health event: Using and benefiting from ICT in the Mental Health Sector - February 22nd, London
How can ICT benefit the Mental Health Sector? Are more people using the internet to donate to charity? Does sharing information improve your service delivery? How can you tap into the new Online Technologies and reach out to new audiences? This one day event in partnership with the Digital Inclusion Team and the Sainsbury Centre for Mental Health for voluntary and community organisations (VCOs) working in mental health; will cover both generic ICT issues and those specific to the mental health sector. Further details
ICT Hub Circuit Rider Conference 4.0 - February 28th/29th, Birmingham
The conference is designed to be practical and accessible so that participants can take the knowledge they gain and apply it to their work in the voluntary sector. At the Conference you will find "live" examples of innovative technology, sessions on "practical tools for the job" and also lively discussion and debate about standards and skills for the sector. Further details
ICT Hub National Conference - March 11th, Kensington Town Hall, London
This annual event will include keynote speakers, an awards ceremony and morning and afternoon sessions under the themes of ICT Management, engaging new audiences, protecting your organisation, and using ICT. Workshops will include how to avoid viruses and internet scams; using the internet to reduce your carbon footprint, how to get the most from online fundraising as well as opportunities to gain hands-on experience with Open-Source software. Further details
ICT Hub conference for organisations working with rural groups, March 5th, Wiltshire
A one day conference for voluntary and community sector organisations working with rural groups with the aim of helping them to better deliver their services through ICT.
ICT Hub regional infrastructure events
Throughout February and March there is a host of workshops and seminars being run across the country for specific infrastructure groups including LGBT, BME, Homeless and Arts. If you would like further information on any of these, please go to the ICT Hub events section and search by region: www.icthub.org.uk/events
Notice Board
thankQ Database Software
ESiT Software has been working with the voluntary sector for a number of years and increasingly with voluntary sector consortia on collaborative projects. With our thankQ solution, we have helped combine a wide range of separate databases and information about partner organisations, their contacts and managing the booking of facilities and training courses. Using thankQ as both the 'back office' system and a directory on the internet, ensures better management and this sharing of information is allowing organisations to get on with their real jobs.
For a small fee, you can advertise in this space. For further information, please contact us at ictresources@icthub.org.uk.
About this information
If you have any questions or comments about this information please let us know by emailing ictresources@icthub.org.uk. If you wish to submit an article for the
newsletter, please contact the commissioned author, Simon Davey.
Contact us at www.icthub.org.uk of call our free helpdesk 0800 652 4737.