The University of Wisconsin-Platteville Continuing Education Institute is providing a new, free resource to further its mission of nurturing lifelong learners during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Happening right now, the Continuing Education Institute is offering the LearnForward series. It features six free online workshops, with local experts sharing valuable knowledge and leading conversations on relevant current topics in both the community and corporate worlds.
"We wanted to do something to give back and stay connected to our community," said Kerie Wedige, executive director of the Continuing Education Institute.
The wheels for the LearnForward series first started rolling following the decision to cancel the remainder of face-to-face spring semester courses at UW-Platteville. Utilizing the talents of the Continuing Education Institute staff, the LearnForward series went from concept to reality in just 10 days.
"We had no prior experience running something like this," said Bill Holder, director of the Corporate Training Center. "Every process we do had to be completely rethought. We had to be building the plane while we were flying."
But that plane flew and has not experienced any turbulence along the way. Thus far, the workshops have garnered both strong reviews and strong interest, with nearly 800 registrants already enrolled.
At a time when more and more people are stuck at home, Wedige said she is happy that the Continuing Education Institute can offer these free webinars.
"People right now are thirsty for engagement and thirsty for knowledge," said Wedige.
The series covers two categories: community and corporate education. Three free webinars have already been held, with another three scheduled for May.
Using Strengths to Improve Remote Team Performance (May 6, noon-1 p.m.)
For over 20 years, teams have paid to use CliftonStrengths© to improve teamwork and maximize their potential. This free webinar will provide high-performing organizations a crucial advantage during this time of economic challenges. Instructor Bill Holder will teach the tools to better understand the strengths of your team, your coworkers and yourself.
Self-Care and Life Balance (May 12, 6-7 p.m.)
The course features an open discussion into what self-care looks like during times of self-quarantine. Instructor Sue Sharp will teach you how to find your personal time when everyone is home and why taking care of yourself first is the most essential piece to a happy life. This one-hour session will leave you feeling energized and empowered.
Swimming in Options for Training Employees? Finding the Right Channel (May 20, noon-1 p.m.)
This webinar will teach you the business strokes you need to be in the winning lane when choosing training for your team. Digital badges and online certificates have proliferated. Instructors Bill Holder and Rebecca Powell will help you wade through the institutional sales pitches and develop linkages between education and workforce outcomes.
To enroll in one of the three remaining free webinars, visit http://go.uwplatt.edu/learnforward or call 608-342-1314.
The University of Wisconsin-Platteville Continuing Education Institute provides programming and classes for learners of all ages, as well as expansive Corporate Education offerings. To learn more about all the opportunities that CEI provides, click here.