Distance learning is any learning situation in which a student and a teacher are not physically located in the same place. Distance learning can take place through a variety of ways—printed materials, lessons on compact discs and audio tape, e-mail discussions, Internet links to tutorials, and telephone conversations.
Training large numbers of health workers in classroom settings nationwide is becoming more and more difficult as funding for large scale training efforts becomes less available, and managers more reluctant to send service providers and storekeepers away from their jobs to attend training courses. Yet these same personnel need to have a basic understanding of health commodity management and competency in the procedures specific to the logistics management systems through which they receive their commodities.
The USAID | DELIVER PROJECT has developed a computer-based logistics training course as a solution (Click here to access the course online). While only limited numbers of health care personnel can leave their jobs to attend training courses in logistics, most have access to computers. To capitalize on the learning opportunity computers provide, the USAID | DELIVER PROJECT has developed five interactive e-learning sessions in basic logistics management which can be accessed on-line or through a CD. Different than classroom based training, CD-based or online learning is self-paced and “chunked” into short activities that keep the learner engaged using any combination of audio, text, graphics, interaction and animation.
The sessions currently available include: Introduction to Logistics, Logistics Management Information Systems, Assessing Stock Status, Maximum-Minimum Inventory Controls Systems, and Selecting Maximum-Minimum Inventory Controls Systems. In addition to interactive instruction, each lesson includes a knowledge check, and each session a review and a final assessment.
The development of this e-learning solution is part of USAID | DELIVER PROJECT's efforts to explore mechanisms for country program capacity building. Program specific CDs similar to those discussed above could be developed for commodity managers or service providers for individual learning or as part of a larger staff development or training strategy. Use of the CD to impact new knowledge or skills may be part of a continuing education requirement, a mechanism to introduce new procedures, or a way to refresh prior training. As the sessions are self paced, training managers need to set and monitor a timetable for completion of sessions in order to meet program objectives and see any learner impact.
The following are a few examples of the use of any CD-based learning:
Facilitators may distribute CD sessions for learners to complete prior to classroom training. Subsequent classroom training can then be focused on more advanced skills, application and practice.
Managers who meet with staff routinely may choose to assign a session to be completed using the CD prior to a meeting and then spend time during the meeting verifying completion of the session and answering questions. Additional sessions could be completed prior to subsequent meetings
CDs are distributed and certificates are awarded after learners produce evidence of successful completion of session assessments. If the sessions are accessed through the web, a learning management system can be used to administer learner registration, progress, assessment and completion of the content of the sessions.
Learners complete the sessions prior to a training course or meeting and managers then lead a discussion of how the general principles are applied specifically in the country or for the program.
If you would like to take the Lessons in Logistics Management for Health Commodities sessions on-line, click here. To request a copy of the CD, email askdeliver@jsi.com. Please note that to print a certificate upon completion of the course, you must have a CD; certificates are not available online at this time.
The developers request that once you take the course, to please provide feedback on the learning experience and let them know how well you did on each session. Users can also provide feedback by emailing askdeliver@jsi.com. Your input is encouraged and will make it possible for the project to develop more such sessions in the future.
