New resources to support the transition from classroom to online-based learning for leadership and management qualification programmes

Moving training and development out of the classroom into an online learning environment is nothing new. The classroom enables a physical interaction between the tutor and their students, whilst online learning provides a cost-effective, flexible means of delivering and reinforcing key information, theories and skills. Setting individual learning preferences aside, successful completion of professional qualifications, such as Leadership and Management, has become increasingly dependent on an effective blend of programme delivery, assessment methodology and study resource that reflects a student’s occupational and personal circumstances.

The emphasis then focuses on the quality of the online resources that are being used to support programme delivery. On the one hand we need to ask if they are easy to use, engaging and most importantly, adequately mapped to the learning requirements of the qualification and its component units? On the other hand we must ensure that they can practically support the ‘learner journey’ through each aspect of their qualification programme without the requirement to wade through generic, topic-based materials.

Over the past 2 years we have been listening to what our clients tell us they need from online learning resources to achieve successful programme outcomes. The result is a completely new range of online modules, specifically designed to support the delivery of ILM leadership and management qualifications from level 2 through to level 5, with coverage of over 70 units. In each module, students will be able to access:

• A downloadable eWorkbook which covers all the learning requirements of each unit and includes practical activities and tasks
• A unit assignment guide
• A range of MicroLearn, interactive eLearning courses with knowledge reinforcement tests
• Extended study materials including information sheets, research articles, eBooks and videos

These modules are available via an organisationally branded learning portal and each qualification – award, certificate or diploma – is specifically built to programme unit specification, with visually engaging graphics, a customised qualification induction module and a downloadable Candidate Registration and Learner Agreement form. Programme management features enable the tracking of candidate progress and ability to generate multiple reports, whilst there’s also a collaborative learning and discussion forum and a tutor-led events calendar and registration function.

Candidates are able to access their online learning resources via a PC / laptop or mobile device and for optimal ‘learning-on-the-go’ there’s a free learning App.

A big thanks to everyone at Ultimate Learning Resources and eAlliance Learning that has contributed to this project. To find out more, preview a selection of these resources or arrange an online demo of the complete system please get in touch.

John Baxter, Managing Director