LINE pioneers DSAT e-learning across Defence
LINE Communications, a leading provider of learning and communications solutions, is pleased to announce the roll-out of an e-learning programme for UK military personnel across all three services, Royal Navy (RN), Army, and Royal Air Force (RAF) about the Defence Systems Approach to Training (DSAT).
DSAT is the quality standard for the management of training implemented by the UK Ministry of Defence (MOD), and provides the framework for all training activities across Defence. The UK Defence Centre of Training Support (DCTS), based at Halton, wanted to increase the knowledge base of DSAT for non-specialist training personnel and facilitate the effective use of DSAT throughout Defence. DCTS approached LINE to design and develop a cost effective, flexible e-learning solution. The content needed to be a stand-alone e-learning package, deployed on the MOD’s Learning Portal (Defence Learning Portal (DLP)), and be able to meet 3 primary functions: as part of pre-course awareness package, as part of a blended learning approach on residential courses and stimulate interest to increase students’ knowledge of DSAT as part of post-course development and reachback facility (refresher training).
LINE’s defence-based design team faced a two-fold challenge in creating the programme: to bring to life what is perceived as a 'dry' subject, while imparting the benefits of applying DSAT, and also to provide a single version of the training that would be relevant to the very different demands of the RN, Army and RAF. The resulting programme allows learners to discover for themselves the importance of DSAT and is based around three actual case studies, brought alive by using audio and video demonstrating training dilemmas to which learners have to find a solution.
Three characters - each from a different military service (RN, Army, and RAF) – offer critical observations through video interviews about how the different dilemmas should have been dealt with. Learners are introduced to DSAT in a virtual classroom where an Army officer explains how DSAT can be used. Learners are enabled to solve problems for themselves by applying their newly acquired knowledge about DSAT. Every question answered is evaluated on an 'Effectiveness and Efficiency meter', which also provides supporting feedback.
The e-learning course has been deployed on the Defence Learning Portal (DLP).
Major Eddie Trowbridge and Major Karl Ward, both from DCTS were the Defence Project Managers. Major Trowbridge said: "A key aspiration from the outset was that it had to be highly engaging and learner-centric and I think we achieved that. It pushed the boundaries of what was technically possible."Major Ward said "This was a complex project to manage through to completion as we had to combine the creativity and skill of LINE’s development team with our detailed subject matter knowledge. I’m very pleased with the product, it encourages learners to explore DSAT themselves through a variety of methods. It is certainly the best example of e-learning I have seen in Defence."
Keith Downes, Director and Defence Lead from LINE said: "We are delighted to have been involved with this ground breaking piece of work, which presented us with an interesting design challenge. The target audience was extremely wide-ranging, covering differing perspectives on how the DSAT could help them. The solution we came up with was an innovative structure that allowed learners to discover for themselves the importance of this system. The resulting programme is a tribute to the strong working partnership forged between the client, DCTS and the wider defence community."
The DSAT programme was winner of a gold award in the Best Custom Content category at the recent Brandon Hall Excellence in Learning Awards.