TREVOR puts the fun into Tendring District Council’s e-learning
Published Tuesday, 31 August 2010 - 10:30
Injecting fun into learning has reaped rapid returns for Tendring District Council according to their IT Trainer, Julie-ann Foweraker and ICT Project Manager and Data Protection Officer, Judy Barker.
Using strong branding and interactive learner engagement, Tendring has produced an enviable marketing programme around their Dynamic Learning Environment – TREVOR.
Why did you choose to adopt e-learning and work with Learning Pool?
As an Essex-wide project via the HR partnership group, Tendring District Council’s ICT grabbed e-learning as an effective mechanism for rolling out Information Security training, including Data Protection, as part of its GCSx Code of Connection user education requirements.
Prior to e-learning, how did you deliver training?
Before adopting e-learning, classroom based learning took place for applications and Microsoft products and occurred in either full day or half day sessions. Plus, one-hour tailored training sessions were delivered at learners’ desks to address specific requirements.
Different situations demand different styles of training. We strongly advocate a blended learning approach.
How did TREVOR feature in the marketing of this to your e-learners?
In terms of increasing awareness of our Dynamic Learning Environment (DLE), we decided to characterise it. Our IT representatives democratically voted for our Learning Pool Learning Consultant Chris ‘suggestion of TREVOR.
Staff inquisitiveness was initially sparked off when our 12 IT reps starting wearing “Have you seen TREVOR?” badges. This was further intensified with posters depicting ‘TREVOR’ situated in various locations around the council buildings. Finally, we took our toy TREVOR and photographed him on various desks once staff had left for the day. To add to the mystery, we left the photo together with a note saying TREVOR was here - staff were completely perplexed.
What elements made such a successful launch event?
We have worked closely with Learning Pool from the initial stages to launch. Learning Pool has provided support and encouragement including out of hours help with the DLE design; the support team in meeting tight deadlines and hosting demonstrations on the launch day.
Prior to the launch, it was difficult at times to keep the identity of TREVOR secret from staff with the additional dimension that the launch was multi-site. On the day, everyone’s spirit was lifted and there was fever pitch around Tendring District Council with every Head of Service either there or represented.
TREVOR branding was strong, from our promotional items to our IT reps wearing t-shirts with “Ask Me About TREVOR” on the back. After viewing a demonstration of TREVOR, learners could visit a course wish list board and create their ideal shopping list from the Learning Pool catalogue. As well as building up awareness of the courses, it proved to be a very engaging approach.
TREVOR’s next big plans involve an e-learning Roadshow across other Tendring District Council sites.
What are your top tips on the creation of an engaging DLE?
The creation of a fun element has worked exceptionally well for Tendring District Council; local government don’t usually do fun! Successes like these rely heavily on enthusiasm and great working relationships. We are extremely pleased that the Council, Liberata and Learning Pool have worked together to produce such an engaging DLE. The IT reps were also unsung heroes. They had a huge responsibility trying to get colleagues through the door and they all rose to the challenge admirably.
What are your current hot topics for L&D/e-learning?
Our hot topics for Learning and Development at present are Data Protection, Information Security and Protective Marking and Staff induction. A new mandatory requirement facing us is the Rollout of Information Security.
We have discussed moving to modular 1.5 hour topic courses which would allow staff more choice. We would like to see this blended with e-learning. Staff could complete the short module and then complete a quiz/assessment on the topic using e-learning. This would check and validate understanding. Provided an adequate score was obtained, a certificate is obtained.
What are your e-learning plans for 2010/2011?
Post TREVOR launch, we are analysing the course wish lists to establish what learning resources are in highest demand.
Tendring District Council has recognised that a change of direction regarding Learning and Development needs to take place. This is especially the case in IT skills where knowledge saturation and low staff turnover has started to result in reducing classroom numbers. However, there is an increasing demand for other types of training, such as information security and Health & Safety. E-learning is an ideal way of imparting this information. Tendring District Council will be rolling out upgrades to its Microsoft products later this year and it is hoped that the blended learning approach will help to deliver this training in an efficient and effective way.
Want to know more?
Contact hello@learningpool.com or call 0207 101 9383 to hear more top tips about marketing your e-learning and to discuss how Learning Pool can help you make your training budget work harder.
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