Coventry City Council
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Single Assessment Process e-Learning Programme
In 2007 Paul worked with Coventry City Council employee Lynne Whitehall, Learning Forum Coordinator, Employee Development Unit (Social Care) on the development on an in-house e-Learning programme. Here Lynne answers questions about the work they did together.
What was the aim of the project?
There were two aims to the project:
1. To develop an interactive computer programme from an existing workbook, covering the Single Assessment Process (SAP).
2. To develop our own in-house e-Learning design and development capability. This required me to broaden my skills and awareness in the design and development stages.
Why develop the materials yourself and not commission someone else to do it?
Some materials are needed for a specific and time limited purpose and will, therefore, have a short shelf life. Some materials will require frequent updating. Such products need to be fully editable by Coventry. Some materials may be developed for relatively small groups.
In all these circumstances, external development would not be cost effective.
What were your skills and knowledge of e-Learning prior to the training?
I have seen and used quite a lot of e-Learning and therefore my theoretical knowledge was fairly broad, but my practical knowledge and skills in planning, designing and developing e-Learning was limited.
What practical things did you want to pick up along the way?
So how was the work planned?
Paul put together a series of sessions that would cover all aspects of the project. This followed the ADDIE Instructional Design methodology (Analysis, Design, Development, Implementation and Evaluation stages). This was something that made a lot of sense. The temptation was to jump straight into the development. It was vitally important that we had made all of the necessary considerations and spoke to the appropriate people before undertaking the work.
How was the success of the sessions measured?
For each session Paul detailed what would be covered, along with measurable outputs. Sometimes Paul would help me get started with something, and as soon as I was comfortable then we could look at the next task, and I could complete the work in my own time, send it to Paul to review before the next session. This made the best use of both of our time.
How was the pace of the sessions?
Everything was done at my pace. We would only progress when I was happy that I could demonstrate what we had covered and felt confident I could do it unassisted. The sessions were planned by Paul, but approved by me at the outset. There were a few extra days put aside in case we needed them – but we didn’t.
What practical templates and tools were provided to help you in the future?
For each stage Paul provided templates and models that were vital for my work, and will be extremely valuable to my future work. These included design documents, Flash models with accompanying information guides, icons and an interface design. Information guides explaining how to upload and build the course on the Learning Management System were also provided.
Did you get what you wanted from the programme?
Very much so. I now have a very good insight in how to take on an e-Learning project, and follow a logical methodology based on a solid approach, and make all of the necessary decisions along the way. I didn’t think I would be able to produce the attractive images and variety of interactions that I can now, and I am aware of other possibilities for the future as the needs arise.
How has the programme been received?
The programme is now complete and I am very proud of the work we have done together. More importantly, the Single Assessment Process programme has been well received by staff.
Coventry City Council Social Care Learning Forum: www.socialcarelearningforum.org