We thought a lot about what would make an online course in Trauma work for learners. We knew they would need supported, as learning about Trauma can be difficult, bringing to mind what has been difficult or traumatic for us. Lorna Walker, the course author and tutor offers gentle guidance and self-care throughout the course through a series of teaching videos and podcast check-ins.

 Learners are also encouraged to reflect on the experience they are having as they work through the course materials, and to take time and space for themselves if they need it. One of the benefits of learning at your own pace in an environment where you feel comfortable is that anything that the learner has the control and choice to engage in the ways that are best suited for them. Group learning is valuable in so many ways, but for the topic of trauma it might not always offer the reflective space or controllable environment that a learner needs.

We know the impact of trauma can affect our cognition and memory, the course is laid out clearly and accessibly, and has been designed with gentle colours and images which support safety. We took a decision not to use photorealistic images of distress, and to make sure our descriptions of difficult events and their impact was also tempered with hope and optimism. Even the font we use (open sans) and our icons are designed to be clear and accessible so that no unnecessary strain is added to the learning journey. We looked at the research on the images that have a regulating effect on the nervous system, and this was ‘biophillic’ images, such as images of nature. So, we took every opportunity we could to integrate these into the course.