As part of the digital transformation strategy, the City of Johannesburg Library and Information Services has re-introduced an eLearning website that is aimed at providing the COJ community with access to free digital content and information about COJ Library facilities and services.
The website, www.cojelearning.org.za, is a mobile-friendly platform that is accessible anywhere and was developed to strengthen the Library Services Digital Skills programme.
The programme was launched at the opening of the Noordgesig Library last month.
The website is part of eLearning programmes that are intended for youth skills development. IT will be updated and expanded on an ongoing basis with more content. Though libraries are not training centres, they play a major role in supporting the lifelong learning and personal development of all communities. This is through collaborations and partnerships with NGOs, academic institutions, corporations, and internal City of Johannesburg units.
By providing access to carefully select online courses and other e-resources and digital content, libraries enable the public to participate in the digital economy, and to develop basic, intermediate, and advanced digital skills.
The website offers access to our online subscriptions and free digital content including the following:
• eBooks via Overdrive platform
• Guttenberg, which offer free access to eBooks
• Librivox which provides free access to audiobooks
• Jurno and African Journal Online: offering free access to academic articles
These e-resources links will be updated as and when Library Services acquires more. Library Services has also partnered with reputable corporations such as IBM, Microsoft (through Harambee) and Google SA to provide links to their free learning platforms.
These corporations offer the following online course content:
• Microsoft SA, through Harambee’s ThintiMillion project offers free Microsoft Office courses for beginners that require basic to intermediate level digital skills. Users can complete the courses and obtain a digital certificate of completion.
• IBM Digital Nation Africa offers a digital skills program that is focused on 4IR concepts such as Coding, Artificial intelligence, Data Science, and other related topics. Users earn digital badges after completion of any course. IBM courses allow users to select their level of competency, from a beginner level; termed “Explorer”, to “innovators”, which is where users learn to design technology. The platform also links users to platforms with job opportunities.
• Google SA offers online courses under their “Google Digital Skills for Africa program, and these are focused on digital marketing which comes with a certification after completion.
There are more courses to select from that assist in starting an online business or learning to use technology in business.
The website also offers library staff and other partners the opportunity to contribute articles for the blog page. It will also provide access to useful documents and showcase videos of library services.
The public is encouraged to access the website and explore the digital content, using their smart devices and computers. Libraries are also now open to provide guidance and support, including free wi-fi, in accessing this platform.
Enquiries can be directed to enquiries@cojelearning.org.za or jeffny@joburg.org.za
22/10/2021
