Introduction: self-learning principles and basic digital skills and competences

Introduction

It is no news that we nowadays live in a rapidly evolving digital age. Regarding this context, being able to learn independently has never been so important. Self-learning enables us to adapt to a continuously changing environment and to remain competitive in the labour market.

This introductory module explores the basics of self-learning and offers information on the basic digital skills along with practical tools you need to boost your FARMRes e-learning experience.

But why have we decided to create these materials? Why an online course? And why mental health?

From one side, as we move into an era of constant change and digital interconnectedness, it is essential to recognise the importance of self-learning in promoting mental health.

On the other side, having good mental health is essential to achieve a state of optimal wellbeing and to develop a full, happy, and productive life. Believe it or not, taking care of your mental health is a key to having a more successful farm, because taking care of yourself will make it easier to then take care of your business in a balanced way.

This module explores the principles of self-learning and core digital skills that you will need to successfully go through the rest of topic-based modules.

Chapters

1. Main Self-Learning Principles

1.1 Curiosity is your driving force: Curiosity fuels self-learning. It is essential to cultivate a genuine interest in the topics you want to master, and, when it comes to mental health – what can be more important than learning about how to live healthier and happier?

1.2 Set clear and reasonable objectives: Define specific learning objectives which are connected to your main needs and interests. If you know what you want to achieve, that will help you stay focused and motivated.

1.3 Practice makes the master: Be consistent. Set your self-time aside on a regular basis for learning. This is the only true key to retaining knowledge and gaining experience and will make you see the impact.

1.4 Time management: Learn to manage your time effectively. We all know that farming is a time-demanding occupation, so try to set realistic times to be dedicated to your study. And remember! E-learning allows you to have all the flexibility you need, you’re not in a hurry, take your time, organise yourself wisely, and enjoy your learning journey.

2. Basic digital skills and competences for e-learning

2.1 Digital literacy: Have a basic understanding of the fundamentals of how to use digital devices. That includes knowing the infinite possibilities that technologies have to offer, discover your device’s main tools, using web browsers…

2.2 Using the Internet: Learn how to search for any information you may need online, assess sources for reliability, and stay safe while surfing the Internet.

3.3 Word Processing: Get the skills on how to create and edit texts using word processing software (Microsoft Word, Google Drive Docs…).

3. Practical toolbox for self-study

3.1 Online courses: The Internet is full of inspiring and exciting online courses in an unbelievable variety of topics.

3.2 YouTube and educational channels: Use YouTube and educational channels to find video tutorials, lectures, and demonstrations on various topics.

3.3 Stay connected and meet your learning mates! Join online forums and communities that meet your interests and get to know like-minded people and other colleagues, and, who knows, maybe new friends!

4. The Farmers mental health and wellbeing training toolkit

Our aim when developing the Farmers mental health and wellbeing training toolkit is to provide to farmers, farmer’s families and farmers consultants and associations with the tools needed to prevent, detect, and aid in case of potential or ongoing mental health issues.

This is also a result of our commitment to the improvement of accessibility to adult education for farmers living in rural areas with the aim of improving their mental health, especially through guidance, motivation, and awareness-raising strategies.

This toolkit consists in three types of training tools:

Prevention tools:specific training materials covering especially relevant topics for the prevention of mental health issues.
- Introduction: self-learning principles and basic digital skills and competences.
- Mental disorders and associated stigma.
- How to recognise and communicate with others about situations which could potentially lead to mental disorders.
- Emotional wellbeing.
- Business management aiming at reducing the stress factors.
- Time management in family farms.
Detection tools: this is an assessment tool to identify a potential ongoing mental disorder.
First aid tools: a set of tips including general and specific recommendations associated to the result of the self-assessment, how and from who to get support and how to be able to track other potential symptoms.

What steps can be taken in the topic to achieve the five ways to well-being.
Simple examples of behavior suitable for farmers

In all the toolkit’s prevention tools topics you will find five ways to wellbeing section. These are topic-related simple actions to practice each day to maintain or improve our mental health and wellbeing.

These practical tips complement the theoretical part of the training and help you to implement the acquired knowledge in your daily life. They will give you easy steps to:

Practical tools

Tips for successful e-Learning

Sources

Basic Digital Skills 2nd Edition.pdf

cfp.us.es/area-de-alumnos/e-learning/preguntas-frecuentes-modalidad-e-learning

economictimes.indiatimes.com