We know you may have lots of questions about the workshops, so we answer many of the more common questions below. But if you think we’ve missed anything please let us know.
How long is a workshop?
One-day (8 hours) workshops typically start at 9.00 am with coffee and introductions and end at 5.30 pm, with a brief mid-morning and mid-afternoon tea/coffee break and a 30 minute break for lunch at around 1 pm. Workshops may also be offered as two half-day events, 4 hours on each day.
Do I need to buy any software for the workshop?
Categorically no! We will provide you with all the software you will need on a bootable mini-USB 2.0 disk flash memory stick. And don’t worry about what happens to all the wonderful work you accomplish in the course of the workshop–you’ll be able to save this to disk.
The memory stick will also contain an overview of the workshop as well as web links to software, tutorials, and free media resources.
Will the workshop make me an expert?
No, there’s no such thing as ‘instant expert’. However, each workshop in this series has been designed to cover the essentials of each software application in sufficient depth to enable you to confidently undertake a project on your own. True proficiency comes only from practice, and the more you practice the better you’ll get. So we also offer a follow-up support service.
What prior skills and knowledge will I be expected to have?
Since we shall assume that you probably have little familiarity with free/libre open source software, these are essentially workshops for beginners in respect of the specific applications. These are, however, intensive courses and presuppose a reasonable working knowledge of using computers and the Internet, even though you may have little or no prior knowledge of the specific applications themselves. The prerequisites for each course are shown on the second page of each course description.
What will I need to bring to a workshop?
Bring your laptop and your enthusiasm to learn. For most workshops you will also need to bring along your own digital content for your personal workshop project. For example, your text and images for the WordPress and e-publishing workshops, or your video and audio clips for the video editing and production workshop. Any specific prerequisites for a workshop are listed in the ‘course prerequisites’ section of each workshop guide.
We provide you with the free software, the training materials, the wi-fi, the power sockets, the coffee, and the sandwiches.
Where do the workshops take place?
The training workshops run at MapleWorks at 73 Maple Road, Surbiton, Surrey KT6 4AG, just five minutes (500 m) walk from Surbiton Station.
To be revised …
We are also able to offer bespoke workplace-based workshops. Please contact us for further details.
How much does a workshop cost?
As a non-profit, we are committed to keeping course registration fees low.
Each one-day workshop costs £140 per person for bookings made at least 28 days in advance, or £150 if booked between 14 and 28 days in advance. If you find that for any reason you are unable to attend, a cancelled booking will be refunded up to 14 days before the workshop.
The workshop fee includes all tuition, the software used in the workshop, course notes, and refreshments. Course delegates will also be entitled to a 10% discount off their next workshop.
Do you offer one-to-one training?
We understand that your work schedule may make it difficult for you to attend our daytime workshops. That’s why we will also be happy to offer workplace-based or home tuition. Please contact us for further details.