PonyPrep

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For Parents

What is E Learning?

Learning that is facilitated by the use of digital tools and content. Typically, it involves some form of interactivity, which may include online interaction between the learner and their teacher or peers.

Why has The Pony Club decided to use E Learning?

The Pony Club recognises that both its teaching and Test structure are renowned for their excellence but we also know that our Membership age group is from a generation that demands online content and interaction. What better way to encourage our Members to use their time on the internet but to further their equestrian knowledge.

What is the content of the E Learning site based around?

The content of the E Learning site is based around the Manual of Horsemanship, published by The Pony Club for over 50 years. Written by experts in their field - all of whom began their careers in the Pony Club - it covers all the important aspects of horsemanship and horse care. The content on the site is based around these same principles but the language used is more informal to make it relevant to the wider Pony Club age range.

The current site only caters for those at D, D+ and C Test level, why is this?

The C Test Efficiency Test level was used as the starting point for the E Learning site, as this fits with the predominant demographic of the Pony Club’s Membership and provides learning that both those a level below and above can utilise. Since then, due to popular demand, we've added in more content for those taking their D and D+ Tests. We're always looking to expand though so please send us your ideas!

Is it right to encourage Members to be indoors, when the best place to learn how to ride is outdoors?

The Pony Club knows that the best place for our Members to learn about their horses and ponies is outdoors having fun with them, but we also know that during the winter months this can prove restrictive, and that our Centre Members in particular may not have access to a horse or pony every day. The E Learning system is designed to enhance the vocational teaching already in place for our Members as they progress through the badge and Test levels.

Why is there a game element when the site is based around learning?

Working with HT2, experts in the E Learning field, we have been able to take their advice on best practice for encouraging young people to use E Learning system and more importantly keep them coming back to learn more. The game works to ensure that Members want to progress through the exercises, by allowing them to build up their online stable yard.

Online security is a hot topic, is the E Learning site safe for Members?

The E Learning site has been designed in conjunction with E Learning specialist HT2 who have implemented the Best Practice based on the Home Office Guidelines on Child Safety issues in online environments, including the following features:

• The site will have no facility for ‘direct contact’ between individuals.
• Users do not need to register in order to learn and interact with the site. Registration is only used to track progress for those who want this feature
• All registered users profiles will be private.
• Users will be represented on the site by Avatars in the form of a pony.
• By gathering a user’s real first and last name at registration, we are able to create a validation method for chosen usernames, which is suitably differentiated from a person’s real name. This step adheres to best practice guidelines on collecting user information for identification purposes.
• Where users choose to register, for the purposes of the game, they will need to provide their date of birth. Should this age be found to be less than 13 years old, the user will be asked to provide a Parent /Guardian email address. An email will then be sent to this address, informing the Parent /Guardian about the child’s registration and asking for their approval to proceed. Only after this activation is received will the child be able to complete registration on the website.
• We will log registered users IP address at each logon, as well as at the time of registration.
• The information gathered at registration will be minimal from a personal, identifiable perspective. This will include: First Name, Last Name, Date of Birth, Email address
• Passwords, with advice on strength and no ‘weak’ passwords allowed.
• We may from time-to-time send emails to registered users. The content of these emails will be relevant to PonyPrep or The Pony Club. We will never sell or share user details with any other organisation. Users can choose to opt-out of these emails at any time.