How eLearning is utilized to augment the classroom training of donation professionals

Robert J. Norden¹, Cherry P. Wise¹, Theresa A. Daly¹, Patricia A. Mulvania¹, Howard M. Nathan¹

¹Gift of Life Institute, Philadelphia, PA, United States

Background: For nearly ten years, an international training institute for donation professionals has offered interdisciplinary resources for skill-based learning. Recognizing that its training audience is increasingly digital-native, the institute offers eLearning—a tool that provides anywhere, anytime instruction over the web—to augment its traditional classroom-based model. Aim: By offering eLearning as a tool to provide fundamental concepts prior to classroom training, instructors can better manage time to engage learners through skill-building and problem-solving. Results: Since July 2012, eLearning has been utilized in five separate on-site trainings, resulting in classroom sessions more focused on practical application. Facilitators spend significantly less time lecturing and more on deepening the understanding of complex donation-related issues. As testament to the effectiveness of eLearning, of the 54 participants who responded to a survey, 89% stated they Strongly Agree/Agree that they Would like to see more eLearning modules in the future; 9% Neither Agree or Disagree; 2% Disagree. When the same learners were asked if they Would recommend these modules to others, 91% either Strongly Agree/Agree and 9% Neither Agree or Disagree. Materials and Method: To establish a base knowledge among participants prior to classroom training, the institute offers 15 self-directed modules on donation-related topics. To maximize learner engagement, instruction is provided through text, audio, and video. Knowledge checks and a final assessment are used to gauge comprehension, with results documented in a learning management system. Conclusion: In addition to the inherent benefits of providing on-demand training and the ability for learners to revisit training topics on an ongoing, as-needed basis, eLearning offers classroom participants with more skill-practice and problem-solving opportunities.