Help using the Learning Hub and lesson pages

This is where we leave questions, answers, comments etc. for one another to read in their own time. I read everything and will respond if needed. I also post feedback and comments on lesson exercises as we go along. You will be encouraged to do the same.

When posting into the leaning hub it is advisable to write your message in a word document first, save it, then copy and past the text. If you have any problems with uploading files or posting comments send them to me and I will make sure they get where they should.

• Go to the Writing Your Family History website www.writingyourfamilyhistory.co.uk
• Click on the button on the top right hand corner of the menu bar entitled Student Log In. If you are using a tablet or a computer with a small screen you will need to click the expand menu button to reveal the Student Log In menu option.

Student Log In on computer

Student Log in on tablet or small screen computer

• Enter your user name (1) and password (2) in the two boxes .
• You may wish to tick the Remember me (3) box so your details are saved for your next visit.
• Click the Login Button (4).
• If you can’t remember your password click on the button which says “I can’t remember my password”

Student Log In page

• You are now in the Learning Hub. At the top of the page you will see a list of downloadable PDF files of course materials. You can click on these links to open the document and read them in your browser. Depending on the browser you use you can also download and save them onto your computer and also print them. Other materials will be added here as the course progresses.
• Below the course materials are the five links to where we post comments and work relating to the lessons.
• Below that is a link to the live discussion area entitled Discussion.
• At the bottom of the page is a section where you can edit your account details if needed and log out of the Learning Hub.
• You will also see a new Learning Hub button on the top right hand side of the menu bar on every page. This has a drop down menu from where you can navigate to all lessons, associated materials and the discussion area.

• Go to the relevant lesson.
• At the top of the page there is a help button.
• Below it you will see a series of discussion topics.
• If you want to start a new topic on any subject scroll down the lesson page to the button saying ‘Topic Title‘. Give your topic a name in this box (otherwise it won’t work). Below that is a large box where you write your text. Once you have done that scroll to the bottom and click the submit button.
• If you want to comment on an existing topic click the the green title link (1) will take you through to what has been posted on a particular topic and the replies to it. You can also see how many people have commented on the topic (2), the total number of comments (3), when the last comment was (4) and who created the topic (5).

• After clicking on a topic title you will be taken to a new page where you can see the first post on the topic and subsequent responses.
• To respond to a message click on the REPLY button on the menu bar at the top of the post. The page will scroll down to a large text box.
• Type your comment in the box (1)
• Scroll to the bottom of the page and click on the Submit
• You can include attachments (preferably a word document) with your message (2). Scroll to the bottom of the text box where you will see a greyed out box below the word ‘Attachments’. Click on the Browse button next to that and navigate to where on your computer your document is stored.
• Once your comment and any attachments are ready, click on the file and then on the Submit (3).

The discussion area is available via a link called Discussion. These discussions are designed to compliment the lessons. They give you a chance to interact with me and other students live. We discuss each lesson in turn. In some instances I will suggest in advance that we focus on particular aspects. If something comes up that is off topic or relates to a lesson later on this course I will either ask you to post it into the learning hub or keep it until the relevant discussion session.

• Click on the Discussion link in the Learning Hub home page or on the drop down menu on the tool bar.
• You will see a large text box.
• To post your comments type or copy and paste into the box that says ‘Enter message here’(1).
• You have the option to include an image or attachment (2) with your message (3)
• Then click on ‘send’ (4).
• The most recent message is at the top, so if you want to read what has been said chronologically scroll to the bottom and read up.