The Covid-19 pandemic has undoubtedly changed the way we live and work. As a training provider, the biggest change we’ve seen is a shift towards more flexible learning. Virtual options and eLearning courses are now the new normal and have seen a huge rise in popularity.
A bit of background
Back in 2019, we were just on the cusp of rolling out a small number of eLearning courses, the pandemic however, has accelerated this process greatly. Now, in 2022, we are offering a huge range of our courses as eLearning, for example:
- CQI/IRCA Quality Foundation Courses
- CQI/IRCA Quality Practitioner Courses
- Automotive Core Tools
- A3 9100 Aerospace Industry Specific Course
What benefits does eLearning offer?
The benefits of eLearning on the surface seem fairly obvious. An opportunity to study at your own pace and in your own time have to be at the top of the list. The flexibility of eLearning, especially with modular courses, means learners can dip in and out of the modules when time allows. Or conversely, work through the modules as quickly as they wish. Some learners may need to complete a course fairly quickly, and finding an in person course at a suitable venue on a suitable date can be a challenge. eLearning courses solve this problem by their very nature.
How do I know if eLearning is right for me?
As a training provider, making sure that the eLearning platform is suitable for learners is key. This is why we have developed a number of demo courses for learners to sample before they make a decision. The demo courses typically include an introduction, one module and an activity. This means that learners can fully experience how the courses and activities look and feel.
How does eLearning work?
Working with our eLearning software partner, aNewSpring, we can offer a fully integrated learning journey. All training materials, reference documents, content and activities are contained within the eLearning platform. Learners are provided with access to the platform and can set up their own account. Access is provided to the course for one year.
Once a learner starts the course, we don’t just leave them to their own devices. Our software allows us to track learners progress and alerts us when it’s time for a certificate to be issued. From the learners perspective, tutor support is provided through a direct email function within the software. 24 hour technical support is also available through aNewSpring.
Each course has sessions which will allow learners to complete their learning journey supported by an eLearner Workbook. At the end of each session, there will be an activity to test learners knowledge and consolidate the learning.
The questions are a mixture of:
- True or False
- Multiple Choice
- Drag and Drop
- Fill in the blanks
If learners are studying a course which requires an examination, we have the capability to provide remote proctoring. This has again provided learners with flexibility to sit the exam at a time that suits them. Using our proctoring software, we can ensure the correct learner is sitting the exam. Through a mix of human proctoring and AI based proctoring technology we can be certain that exam conditions and integrity is maintained.
The Future
It’s clear that flexible ways of learning such as eLearning are the future and as a training provider this excites us! We plan to continue working on our offering; to provide more effective, intuitive and interactive training for our learners. An exciting project that we’ve been working on is an eLearning course which offers Adaptive Learning. Taking a modular approach to the learning and allowing learners to test their knowledge first and then skip modules that are not relevant or necessary. This is allowing us to provide a truly unique learning journey for each learner.
This is just the start of what we feel will be a very exciting journey for both TPT and our learners.