The International Federation of Workers’ Education Associations (IFWEA) offers a range of online learning opportunities, some self-paced and some facilitated. Melanie Julie, Education Programme Manager at IFWEA, speaks about the courses, especially the popularity of the self-paced courses, how they work, and who can participate.
Melanie Julie, IFWEA Education Programme Manager.
Why the concept of self-paced courses?
The concept of self-paced courses is designed to accommodate the demanding and often unpredictable schedules of workers. It allows individuals to engage with learning materials at times that are convenient for them, progressing through the content at their own pace.
What sort of self-paced courses are on offer?
Currently, all our self-paced courses focus on building digital skills. However, we are actively working on expanding our offerings to include other categories, such as thematic courses. For example, we plan to introduce a basic course on climate change, aimed at helping learners understand key concepts and terminology related to the topic.
Why are these topics on offer – what made you choose them?
We chose these topics because there is a significant gap in basic digital skills at the grassroots level. Our aim is to bridge this digital divide, not only to enable grassroots workers to fully participate in our online training programmes, but also to help them improve their working conditions and livelihoods.
Who are they aimed at?
Our self-paced courses are aimed primarily at grassroots workers and community members who may have limited access to formal training opportunities. We focus on individuals who want to build essential skills -particularly in digital literacy – that can empower them to engage more effectively in their work, communities, and broader social and economic contexts.
Does IFWEA encourage affiliates (and partners) to make use of the courses, to equip their members with skills that can then be used within their organisations?
Yes, IFWEA actively encourages affiliates and partners to make use of these courses to equip their members with valuable skills through our social media and monthly e-bulletin. We believe that building the capacity of individuals not only benefits them personally, but also strengthens their organisations as a whole. By developing skills that can be applied within their unions, associations, or community groups, members are better prepared to contribute effectively to organisational activities, advocacy efforts, and broader social change.
How long does the average self-paced course take?
On average, our self-paced courses are designed to be concise and can typically be completed within an hour.
What are the goals of these self-paced courses?
The primary goals of our self-paced courses are to build essential skills, increase accessibility to learning opportunities, and enable workers to turn new learning into practical changes in their work and personal life. We aim to equip grassroots workers with practical skills—particularly in digital literacy—that enable them to participate more fully in online training, improve their working conditions, and contribute more effectively to their organisations and communities.
What kind of uptake has there been?
We’ve seen very positive uptake for our self-paced courses. For example, in the first year after its launch, our Basic Computer Skills course attracted over 100 participants who successfully completed the course. We’ve received encouraging feedback highlighting that the courses are practical, easy to follow, and relevant to participants’ work and daily lives.
And the most popular course?
The most popular course so far has been the Basic Computer Skills course. Its popularity is driven by the significant need for foundational digital skills among grassroots workers, as well as the flexible nature of the course. The use of the study circle methodology, where facilitators retrieve resources and learning activities from the OLA platform and implement them in group sessions, has also contributed to its success.
In terms of moderated courses (for example, Organisational Development courses), how can people sign up – do they need to be an IFWEA affiliate? Do they need to be part of a group? When do the courses run – when there are people signed up, or at set times?
The moderated courses currently available on our website can be accessed freely, and anyone is welcome to use the resources and activities provided. When we plan to run a facilitated session of a course again, we typically advertise it in advance through brochures and our other communication channels. The courses listed on our website include both those that have already been conducted and those that are currently in progress. Participation is open to anyone and does not require individuals to be part of an IFWEA affiliate or a specific group.
How can people know about the facilitated/moderated courses?
People can learn about our facilitated or moderated courses through various communication channels. We share information in advance via brochures, our monthly e-bulletin, social media platforms, and our website. This ensures that both individuals and organisations are aware of upcoming courses and have the opportunity to register or plan participation.
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The Labour Research Service is an affiliate of the International Federation of Workers’ Education Associations (IFWEA). We encourage our 15 member unions to utilise IFWEA’s Online Labour Academy. In 2024, we developed two courses on the Online Labour Academy:
Introducing Feminism to Members: This course starts by exploring your relationship to feminism and how those around you relate to it, before looking at the history and different contexts in which feminism has developed.
Introduction to Company Financial Reports for Trade Unions: Participants learn how to analyse a company’s annual report and use it to support wage negotiations. The course helps them show that a company can afford higher wages, strengthening their bargaining position and securing better outcomes for workers.
"The worker-educators who design and facilitate workshops, study circles, online courses, dialogues, and webinars deserve special thanks for courageously experimenting with new methods and materials to deepen participation and awareness of our shared struggles for democracy and social justice in a fragmenting world. These are the educators who will inspire and guide us in strengthening a global movement for worker unity.”
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