E-Learning

Well I have now finished ALL the available modules. Found them so interesting that I also completed the French modules. The spoken French in the Guide by the young lady leaves a lot to be desired; to me she is clearly not a "French speaker". The rest of the modules in French are spoken by a gentleman who is very definitely French-Speaking and is much easier to understand. I ENJOYED all the modules completely and am looking forward to the next batch. Great work Program Department

I took all of the four parts of the 1st module. Great refresher from the classroom training I took a year ago. It was certainly quicker - about an hour to do them all - compared to the whole evening in class plus travel time.

First, I think the eLearning provides a good opportunity for those with very busy lives that otherwise must "take it or leave it" on the dates provided by Areas and Councils for classroom training.

Second, I think the eLearning exposes a gaping hole that exists between WBI (which I would call the fundamental basics) and WBII (which I would consider advanced training). We, newer Scouters, need something at the intermediate level where we can sharpen our skills. Here, specially where critical mass of learners is difficult to acheive, other distance education techniques can be used. I am not an expert in this area, but if my sister in-law can complete most of her PhD through distance learning, we can better train and educate our leaders using these techniques.

David

In Northern Lights our team is developing (credit goes to others, not me!) a shortened course designed for leaders who have taken e-learning. The purpose is to get the benefit of face to face interaction, program experience, chance to ask questions etc etc. Basically all of the things that people feel are missing from the e-learning initiative. They are not mandatory and are offered as a supplement. I think e-learning is a great idea, and I'm excited about it, but I think having this optional course is great too! I'm wondering if it's been available/will be available in other areas? Just curious!

I took Woodbadge I training for colony through our area face to face, and I have taken all modules of the e-learning for pack. I am now re-taking them through the area again in person. I am finding I learn a lot more in person than on the e-learning. I was missing things like actually organizing a formal campfire, making a program, playing games, having real life examples of ceremonies, learning by doing it...now 2 years ago, we had an outdoor component that actually taught us how to light a lantern and a camping stove, compass work, cooking over the fire, that was really handy, too. I don't think our area is doing that this time around.

I think e-learning is great to have available for the orientation & administrative parts of training, safety, registration, forms, etc. but for the actual hands on delivery of the program to the youth, it didn't really work for me.

I did WB1 in e-learning mode as a refresher. Looking at the original post, I am unsure as to whether we are just commenting
but I will do my best to reflect on pros(+) , cons (-) and questions (?) Anyone with answers to the (?) please do respond.

+ It enables those who can't make the delivered training for whatever reason ,get the training electronically
+ it can be done when you have a moment, and picked up again when you get that next free moment

- it doesn't necessarily enhance one's personal network of scouters , but this e-forum does create links

? A question I asked at Rideau Area Scouters summit which remains out there is, how are we evaluating the 'value' of the training that we receive (WB1 or other ) (face to face or electronically ) and correlate that training to our performance? Do All scouters understand how it is being measured ? Is the equation simply a function_of(training, other variables ) => growth ?

? I don't recall whether there was a feedback form for the E-learning WB1.. If there is , apologies; If there isn't , shouldn't there be one to enable the content to improve over time.

? Finite resources force us to invest in the most important (or urgent) opportunities or challenges... What is next on the list from a training perspective as far as Elearning is concerned?