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Government Technology | Volume 9.5
LEARNING & DEVELOPMENT
THE ESSENTIAL L&D EVENT The World of Learning Conference & Exhibition is the essential event for all senior learning decision-makers and buyers. Now there is no better time to ensure you are using the most cost-effective methods and solutions to deliver more successful learning results LOOKING FOR NEW WAYS to apply technology at work has, for centuries, been among the first potential solutions considered when managers want to find new ways to cut costs and increase efficiency. Replacing manpower with machinery has been well-established as an answer even before the Luddites objected to it. However, it was not until the era of the computer that the concept of automating managerial processes and skills could seriously be considered. With the dotcom boom at the turn of the 21st century came the growth of online or e-learning. The learning world has become constantly more virtual ever since. FINANCIAL BENEFITS The financial benefits have always been a powerful attraction – the savings can be vast. It is not only the course costs – training presenters, travel and overnight stays, plus catering – that can be cut; there is also the benefit of reducing the time when staff are out of the office. More significantly, by introducing improvements much faster than if a face-to-face training course was rolled out, the savings possible through faster implementation of e-learning can be substantial. Mike Booth, learning technologies manager at Cable&Wireless Worldwide, states: “Undoubtedly, for this organisation, the financial benefits from greater efficiency and increased speed to market are the strongest, but not the only, attractions for using e-learning.” The new increased pressure on the public sector from the budget to cut costs suggests that greater use of e-learning will be on the agenda for discussion in the L&D departments of many national and local organisations in the coming months. NEW WAY OF THINKING Kim White, chief executive at i-CD, a learning organisation based within the University of Wolverhampton, observed that the cutbacks may prompt a new way of thinking about L&D and e-learning in the public sector: “Up to now, there have been sufficient staff in government departments to cover when an individual is on a course. In future, with fewer people, this may not be possible. The fact that e-learning can be fitted in to the working day as an hour a day may prove attractive to management in these circumstances.” There are other important benefits that accrue from e-learning beyond cost. Mike Booth highlights a few crucial advantages: “Consistency of approach; helping to
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THE BUSINESS MAGAZINE FOR GOVERNMENT TECHNOLOGY
demonstrate compliance; training more people at the same time, even globally; and particularly flexibility – it’s always available, so learners can learn and refresh their knowledge where and when it is convenient or necessary.” As a new technique closely linked to fast developing technology, the presentation of content and the delivery methods continue to evolve. For instance, the magnetic power of computer games has been harnessed to engage learners in interactive learning, both as part of the process as well as for progress testing. KEEPING IT SIMPLE From the early days of e-learning when classroom training lessons were adapted to be self taught on computer screens, e-learning has moved on considerably. “There was too much emphasis on the technology,” comments Kim White. “What matters is engaging the learner. We keep the technology platform simple – broadband, Microsoft Office, clips on YouTube and podcasts.” Mike Booth notes: “Webinars have made a massive impact in the last year – now that they are technologically more user-friendly.” E-learning, including examples of its application in the public sector, will figure conspicuously at the World of Learning Conference & Exhibition – an event at which i-CD will be exhibiting and Mike Booth will be speaking. The essential event for L&D, the World of Learning 2010 takes place at the NEC in Birmingham on Tuesday 28 and Wednesday 29 September, where visitors will find extensive advice and the latest thinking on e-learning from the companies exhibiting, the free seminar presentations and the conference speakers. Among the leading e-learning providers exhibiting will be Atlantic Link, e2train, Information Transfer, iManage and Kaplan IT Learning. Many of these are leaders in the field and supply learning solutions to several high profile public sector organisations. For example, e2train’s clients include the Home Office, the Identity and Passport Service, Ofcom, the Environment Agency, numerous police forces and various NHS trusts, while Information Transfer works with The Arts Council, Magnox South (the government-assigned contractors responsible for decommissioning five nuclear sites on behalf of the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority), Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, OffPAT (Office of Project and Programme Advice & Training – part of the Home Office), Thames Valley Police and the Bio Products Laboratory. Within the free seminars that are part of the exhibition there are several presentations
giving valuable advice on e-learning. Martin Belton, director of e-learning provider e2train, will be presenting a seminar on ’Ten rules for designing and delivering e-learning that works.’ Martin Belton highlights some of the issues behind his seminar: ”Today e-learning is used for more and more subjects. That means when you are commissioning and creating it there seems to be a near impossible amount of detail to consider. Certainly, creating good e-learning is about more than just good instructional design. For instance, budget is always an issue, even determining whether a programme is commissioned externally or created in-house. A clear vision of the desired learning outcomes is of course essential. But it is also useful to look at how often the course might be used, what its shelf life may be and how often updates might be needed. Accessibility should always be considered. Too often these demands are treated as a negative influence on creating e-learning instead of a real template for maximising the audience. “My presentation at the World of Learning will summarise the ten top pieces of advice for people about to create or commission e-learning for their organisation.” ’Digital natives – the challenge of the next generation learners‘ is the theme of a presentation by David Wortley, director of the Serious Games Institute. The Institute’s rapid adoption of media technologies has shaped its attitude towards learning and presents a challenge to educators, employers and society. David’s presentation examines the issues and solutions offered by technology, which will give real insight to those looking for inspiration in their learning activities. Piers Lea of LINE Communications will discuss some of the key aspects of blending learning technologies into an integrated approach, through highlighting case studies of blended learning success across Europe from Ford of Europe and British Airways. Additionally, using e-learning to boost training efficiency is the theme of a presentation by Mike Alcock, vice president – product evangelist at Kaplan IT Learning, featuring many examples of e-learning projects including British Telecom and Royal Bank of Canada. WORLD OF LEARNING CONFERENCE The industry-leading World of Learning Conference – the essential UK forum for L&D professionals – provides a cost and time efficient opportunity for delegates to learn from experts, peers and case studies, spanning two full days of invaluable insight on the current