“From classroom PowerPoint to effective e-learning”
February 2, 2011
Andrew Smart, Director of Project Management, Magnox South, presented at the Learning Technologies Conference 26th January
In 2009 Magnox South, contracted to defuel and decommission five of the UK's nuclear power stations, compiled a one-week long classroom course (more than 360 PowerPoint slides) to instruct project managers in the company's processes and the statutory requirements affecting the highly-regulated nuclear industry. Although it did the job, five days off-site was less than ideal for these crucial staff. Working with Information Transfer, Andrew Smart's alternative has been to develop a blended approach to this delivery, with much of the knowledge component delivered as e-learning. The 12 modules of e-learning that replaced the massive slide deck have been both effective in knowledge transfer and well received by learners. How did Magnox achieve this?
In his presentation, Andrew outlined how to successfully project manage your e-learning development, manage your internal audience and prevent 'scope creep'; he talked about designing materials for both learning and performance support and offered tips on making the design serve your learning needs. He also looked at ways to work with quality external suppliers such as Information Transfer.
Andrew Smart commented: "I have been involved in Projects and Project Management for over 20 years. I worked as a Project Manager with AWE and as a Site Programme Manager for the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority before joining Magnox South in late 2007 to take up the challenge of enhancing the company’s Project Management. I believe that it is important not only to develop our Project Managers but to ensure that the development is sustainable and matched to the needs of the individual and the business.
"We have been very impressed with the way Information Transfer reviewed all of our processes and procedures and worked with us to develop first class e-learning that not only trains our people, but is a sustainable tool for ongoing reference and future development. The e-learning greatly enhances our performance while at the same time reducing training overheads and improving our efficiency in delivery."
