As the country lurched towards Covid-19 lockdown in March 2020, Explore’s Season 2 came to an abrupt and premature end, and, amid a flurry of hasty communications, we cancelled our planned Season 3 programme of face-to-face lectures and discussions.  Explore had no contingency plan for a pandemic, nor any experience of online learning or options for delivery.  Our core demographic is older adults - are often assumed to be less engaged in the digital world and, also rapidly proving to be the generation most at risk from Covid-19.

How could we, in just over a month, provide a remote programme that would keep the Explore programme alive? 

Welcome to the 'Zoomocene'

Tutor Ian Ground took the initiative, undertaking to deliver his philosophy course remotely via Zoom (a new concept to most of us!) and arranging practice sessions for his attendees.  Trustee Rita Prabhu soon became a Zoom expert, producing a ‘beginners’ guide’ and supporting members and tutors as we embraced new technologies, with varying degrees of enthusiasm!  A group of us, ably supported by Nancy our administrator, worked and planned over the Easter break in collaboration with the programme team. On 27th April we launched Explore’s Alternative (virtual) Season 3, aptly themed ‘Flattening the Learning Curve’, consisting of three short courses delivered by live Zoom, a history course on Vimeo, plus email courses in art history, literature, astronomy and maths.

How did we do?

Surveys in June of tutors and members were positive and encouraging in tone and content.  Most tutors were happy to contribute to future online programmes, and, of the 70% of members who responded, 80% were participating in Alternative Season 3.  

Members' feedback: 

·      Just to say thank you to all those who put it together so quickly and under such challenging circumstances, and who have kept it together.

·      I think Explore has done an excellent job!

Autumn Season 1 blended learning plans

Over the summer, Covid restrictions eased and we confirmed with our local Public Health team that education was an exception to the rules about meeting indoors.  Our hosts in Commercial Union House, Orbis and Ampersand Inventions, worked hard to provide a safe teaching environment.  The survey had showed that, whilst some members were eager to resume face-to-face sessions, many were understandably cautious about travelling into central Newcastle, particularly by public transport.  We therefore planned a pared-down blended learning programme of short courses, deliverable face-to-face to a socially distanced audience and by live Zoom link, together with email courses.  We held site meetings, developed policies, tested the technology, set up a booking system, and Nancy kept our members informed of plans and progress. 

But how many members would enrol?  Would our current members sign up for another year in the uncertain climate?

We encouraged members to rejoin, despite the uncertainty.  We did not feel that the situation would allow recruitment of new members, so faced a likely reduction in numbers and hence in income, especially as we offered a lower subscription to reflect the limited programme.  We were therefore hugely encouraged that 165 members joined, 140 of whom committed to a full year. 

Further thinking on our feet!

But a week before the start of Season 1 a second wave of Covid loomed, restrictions were re-imposed and face-to-face teaching was no longer feasible.  Further communications ensued; Rita held more Zoom tutorials and gave advice and support; our remotely delivered Season 1 went live on 28th September 2020.

'Sell out' Season 1!

We were immediately reassured by the high ‘attendance’ at lectures and this has been maintained - art history lectures by artist Peter Quinn - regularly achieving over 70 attendees!  Member feedback has been positive, and, whilst many miss the social aspects of Explore there have been compensations.  Active participation and discussion are possible, names have been put to faces on Zoom, pre-session informal chats take place as well as other social interactions such as Zoom 'coffee mornings' by Friends of Explore. Members who have moved away continue to participate in the programme and others have engaged with more courses than usual without the need for travel.  

A team effort

Nancy and Rita’s communication, information technology and organisational skills and sheer dedication, underpinned by cooperation and support from the trustees and programme team, have been crucial to the project’s success, and we are all hugely grateful with pats on the back all round for our member-run programme.

What does the future hold for Explore?

We continue to face financial pressures in these uncertain times but are heartened by the commitment and enthusiasm of members and look to the future with cautious optimism.  In the face of restrictions our horizons have expanded; there is an appetite for ‘blended learning’ which will enrich our programme and increase our accessibility.   We look forward to returning to Explore as we know and love it and have learned much from this experience.  

Would you like to support Explore?

The Explore programme is run by the Joseph Cowen Lifelong Learning Centre (registered charity 1174080) - DONATE to the charity here.