WELCOME MESSAGE
WELCOME TO YOUR ONLINE LEARNING JOURNEY!
The Island Futures Lab combines online learning with hands-on practical training, mentoring, and classroom discussions. The online portion of the programme is designed to prepare you for the practical sessions at Belmont Estate.
You do not need to be an expert with computers to succeed. You simply need to develop good learning habits, stay organized, and ask questions whenever you need help.
Remember, the goal is not to rush through the course. The goal is to understand the material so you can confidently apply it during practical activities and when developing your own business.
PAY CLOSE ATTENTION TO THE FOLLOWING
LET'S GET YOU READY!
-
PREPARE YOUR LEARNING SPACE
Where you study can have a big impact on how well you learn.
Choose a place where you can concentrate with as few distractions as possible.
Before beginning a lesson:
• Find a quiet place.
• Charge your phone, tablet, or laptop.
• Have a notebook and pen ready.
• Keep a bottle of water nearby.
• Turn off unnecessary notifications if possible.
• Let family members know you need uninterrupted study time.
Even studying for just 30 to 45 focused minutes is often more effective than trying to study for several hours while distracted.
-
TAKE NOTES WHILE YOU LEARN
Taking notes while watching videos or reading lessons can help you understand and remember important information.
Your notebook will become one of your most valuable resources throughout this programme.
As you work through each lesson, write down:
• New vocabulary words.
• Important facts.
• Ideas you find interesting.
• Questions you want to ask your facilitator.
• Business ideas that come to mind.
• Any tasks that appear for you to complete and share in class.
Do not try to copy every word from the screen. Instead, summarize the most important ideas in your own words.
Writing information down helps you remember it and gives you something to review before quizzes and practical sessions.
-
PAUSE, REFLECT, AND LEARN
There is no prize for finishing the course quickly.
Successful learners pause often to think about what they have learned.
As you move through each lesson:
• Pause the video when you hear an important idea.
• Reread sections that are difficult.
• Look up unfamiliar words if needed.
• Complete each reflection activity before moving on.
• Think about how the lesson connects to your own community or business idea.
Learning happens through understanding, not speed.
-
UPLOADING ASSESSMENTS SUCCESSFULLY
Assignments allow facilitators to understand your progress and provide helpful feedback.
Before uploading any assignment:
✓ Make sure your name appears on the document if required.
✓ Check that all questions have been answered.
✓ Review your work for spelling and grammar.
✓ Upload the correct file.
✓ Confirm that the upload was successful.
If you experience technical problems, contact the programme team as soon as possible rather than waiting until the deadline has passed.
-
COMMUNICATING WITH FACILITATORS
Your facilitators are here to help you succeed.
If you have a question:
• Ask it as soon as possible. Use WhatsApp, your classroom time, or the Friday support forum.
• Be polite and respectful.
• Explain your question clearly.
• Include the course name and module number if applicable.
For example:
"Hello Dr. Akoma. I am working on Module 3, Topic 2, and I am unsure how to complete the compost activity. Could you please clarify what is expected? Thank you."
Clear communication helps facilitators provide faster and more accurate support.
Topic 6: Using WhatsApp Professionally
WhatsApp is an important communication tool during this programme.
Use it professionally.
Appropriate uses include:
• Asking questions about assignments.
• Informing facilitators if you will be absent.
• Sharing programme-related information.
• Responding to announcements.
Avoid:
• Sending unrelated messages.
• Posting inappropriate content.
• Forwarding misinformation.
• Messaging facilitators late at night unless it is an emergency.
Remember that the WhatsApp group is part of a professional learning environment.
-
COMMUNICATING WITH FACILITATORs
Your facilitators are here to help you succeed.
If you have a question:
• Ask it as soon as possible. Use WhatsApp, your classroom time and the Friday support forum
• Be polite and respectful.
• Explain your question clearly.
• Include the course name and module number if applicable.
For example:
"Hello Dr. Akoma. I am working on Module 3, Topic 2, and I am unsure how to complete the compost activity. Could you please clarify what is expected? Thank you."
Clear communication helps facilitators provide faster and more accurate support.
-
CHECK ANNOUNCEMENTS EVERY DAY
Important programme information may be shared through:
• The learning platform
• Email
• WhatsApp
Announcements may include:
• Assignment reminders
• Schedule changes
• Materials to bring
• Guest speakers
• Field activity information
Checking announcements daily will help you stay prepared and avoid missing important information.
-
LEARNING BEYOND THE TRADITIONAL CLASSROOM
You will also learn by:
● developing real products
● working with experienced mentors
● gaining practical business skills
● developing digital competencies
● building professional networks
● learning from local entrepreneurs
● gaining experience in real business environments
● preparing for entrepreneurship
START YOUR COURSE
There are a number of courses you are required to complete including assessments and projects. Courses will run for approximately 10-12 weeks.
What We Expect From You
To help everyone succeed, we ask each participant to:
Attend all scheduled sessions whenever possible. You will receive $5 in bus fare reimbursement for each day you attend in person. Classes are held from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays in Belmont Estate’s conference room. You are expected to attend at least 90% of the in-person sessions and complete 100% of the online courses and assessments. Virtual support will be available from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Fridays. Details on how to access Friday support will be shared with participants.
Participate actively in discussions and practical activities while attending in-person classes. Refreshments will be provided each day.
Engage with the online course material before meeting in class. Course schedules and required materials will be shared before class meetings via email and/or the WhatsApp group. Be prepared to discuss this material in class.
After the courses are complete, you will be expected to complete on-site training in the Youth Innovation Store, where your products may be sold. The length of this training is subject to change; however, you should anticipate participating on site approximately once a week for several months as you build your business.
Upon completion of the courses, you will have access to one or more industry professionals who will mentor you as you develop your business.
Respect fellow participants and facilitators.
Demonstrate honesty and integrity.
Commit to developing yourself throughout the programme.
Be willing to learn, collaborate and try new ideas.
Maintain professionalism throughout the programme.
Check your email and/or WhatsApp group chat for programme updates, reminders, and important announcements daily.
