E-learning excellence

Public sector organisations are leading the way in the uptake of e-learning, according to a recent study by learning management specialists IMC Learning. Not only does it allow organisations to develop and adapt content quickly and efficiently to meet changing needs, it is also a cost-effective way to train employees, as Greater Manchester Police Authority has discovered with its e-induction course for new members and staff.

Greater Manchester Police Authority (GMPA) launched its e-induction course in October 2008. It forms part of a blended learning approach combined with a programme of training sessions and visits to key force departments.

The programme was shortlisted for the Association of Police Authorities’ (APA) inaugural Recognising Excellence Awards 2008 in the ‘Innovation and Step Change’ category, narrowly losing out to neighbouring Lancashire Police Authority.

The e-learning programme is interactive and requires only basic computer skills. It takes about 30 minutes to complete but can be completed in smaller ‘bite-size’ pieces if required.

The course also includes a comprehensive glossary and is delivered from a dynamic learning environment (DLE). As well as evidencing, monitoring and recording learning activity among users, the DLE can demonstrate progress against learning objectives and report learning performance. It also allows discussion forums, podcasts, blogs, and real-time chat sessions to be added.

E-learning can be accessed as and when necessary and can fit in with work schedules and other priorities. GMPA’s e-learning site is hosted externally, which means it can be accessed anywhere Internet access is available.

It was developed using an ‘authoring tool’ from Learning Pool, the e-learning provider for the public sector.

Mary McKenna, director of Learning Pool, explained: “From a standing start, GMPA has created its own e-learning system and made it available on its own platform, at very little cost, in a matter of weeks.

“What it has achieved shows how the public sector is grabbing e-learning with both hands and improving its learning and development programmes, while making efficiency savings at the same time. No mean feat.”

Learning Pool’s catalogue of e-learning courses includes passport to procurement, freedom of information, equality and diversity, change management and data protection, which are of particular benefit to police authorities.

Irene Glynn, GMPA’s organisational development manager, added: “I’ve had superb support and encouragement from Learning Pool staff and met some inspirational mentors through the network.

“I’m delighted at the response to our first bespoke e-learning course and look forward to developing our DLE to provide a one-stop access point for all learning and development opportunities.”

The hi-tech induction course has already been praised by new members to the GMPA. One new recruit said: “The e-induction course enabled me to have a greater understanding of how the organisation works and how my role within the organisation fits into the overall aims and objectives.

“It was a straightforward method of learning written in easy-to-understand terms. As someone new to the organisation, the lack of acronyms was appreciated.”

Another new starter said: “I found the e-learning tool a great way to learn about GMPA, how we link into the Government’s agenda and how that influences local delivery.

“The e-learning process was very simple to use and explained GMPA’s role in a clear and informative manner. I thought that the tripartite module was particularly useful.”

GMPA’s e-induction programme covers the following knowledge areas:

•About Greater Manchester.
•About the tripartite partners.
•Police authority governance.
•Committee structure.
•GMPA strategic plan.
•GMPA officer structure.
•Greater Manchester Police (GMP) corporate priorities.
•GMP senior officer structure.
•Review.