Will e-learning take off in the RAF?
Will e-learning take off in the RAF?
The UK's Royal Air Force (RAF), which already uses technology extensively in many of its training courses, is looking to embrace e-learning.
A 24-month trial will be conducted by members of the computer-based-training squadron at RAF Halton, Buckinghamshire, to assess the capabilities of e-learning in delivering core training more effectively to deployed operations and reducing the time training takes.
The trial will explore the skills required of students, instructors and course designers in developing and using e-learning, as well as addressing the overall implications of e-learning for the RAF.
UK-based e-learning provider e2train's learning-management system and authoring tool, Kallidus, has been selected to host the e-learning proof-of-concept trial. Kallidus will be used to launch courses to users,monitor usage and results and generate reports. The authoring system will enable the RAF to develop courseware relatively cheaply.
Full consultancy services will be provided throughout the project by e-learnity. Working in partnership with the computer-based-training squadron,e-learnity will provide advice to ensure that the objectives of the trial are met.
Squadron Leader Keith Watt, of the RAF, said: "E-learning represents a new way of learning and its impact on training and education within the RAF could be huge. In order to develop its corporate knowledge of e-learning, the RAF has decided to contract with a specialist e-learning provider.
"After running an open competition, we chose e2train to partner the trial. The company's response to the contract requirements proved to be extremely competitive and the desire to form a partnership with the RAF, to the benefit of both parties, was evident. This is a new area for the RAF to explore and e2train's track record made it an ideal choice for our trial".
Rob Caul, e2train managing director, said: "We are delighted to have been selected as e-learning provider by the RAF and look forward to working closely with it to ensure that the e-learning proof-of-concept trial is a success".
Organizations already using Kallidus systems include South Wales Police, the Charity Commission, Coventry Building Society, Nationwide Trust and Rank Hovis.
