The Home Office is running a major blended learning programme to help 15,000 civil servants upgrade to Windows XP and Office XP from older versions of the software.
It is being implemented by KnowledgePool, which has a 10-year contract to provide upgrade training in end-user applications and telephone systems.
The programme involves 300 instructor-led seminars, bespoke e-learning and live coaching. The learning services provider will deliver briefing seminars at Home Office sites across England and Wales, which will demonstrate the software and introduce users to the accompanying e-learning programme. The online component focuses on the software’s new features and explains some of the Home Office’s policies for its use.
“Upgrading to XP and providing this training should help to improve our productivity,” said Chris Davison, IT training and e-learning services manager in the Home Office’s Opportunities, Training & Development team.
“Undoubtedly there are major cost savings from blended e-learning and instructor-led briefings. The e-learning course lasts around two hours, but people can focus on what they need to learn by dipping in and out at their desktop when it suits them.”
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The new XP desktops will contain an online link to the e-learning course, and KnowledgePool will provide desk-side coaching when required.
After a successful pilot, software roll-out has begun and will be completed by April next year.
