When the COVID-19 pandemic made traditional, in-person training unsafe, the Ellumen team on our DMLSS/LogiCole Training, Documentation and IV&V project had to adapt. We built custom e-learning tools, optimized instructor-led digital training sessions and incorporated cutting-edge telepresence technology to keep supply chains efficient and better patient care. Our turnkey systems training program enhances remote learning, guides users through real-world simulations and brings proven technology to the learning environment.
Our team is responsible for the creation and maintenance of training resources for DMLSS/LogiCole end users. These resources cover everything required to learn how to use the medical logistics system and span the entirety of the learning experience, including (but not limited to): training guides, demonstrations, webinars, step-by-step documentation, step-by-step videos, podcasts, overview materials, infographics, newsletters and FAQs. All of these materials and eLearning courseware can be found on the VA resource center for easy access. These methods and tools are broken down into practical exercises that make it simple for the user to learn and train.
Practical exercises make remote learning easy: As Project Manager Tim Stanley explains, practical exercises are an important part of the training process, as they give end users the opportunity to obtain first-hand experience using the system before implementation. As opposed to simply clicking through a PowerPoint, practical exercises engage the user and give them real-time feedback, in addition to teaching them how to perform different actions. Ellumen designs these resources to be 508 compliant so that our training guides and tools are as widely accessible as possible.
The “crawl, walk, run” method keeps training specific to each individual: In addition to the creation of training resources, our team continued instructor-led training sessions using tools like Microsoft Teams. Using these resources and our experienced trainers, we developed a method to teach end users more effectively. This method is called the crawl, walk, run (or scaffolding) approach. This method is designed to slowly teach and integrate end users and learners so that they are ready to “run” by the end. The method begins with “crawling” where learners go through system foundations to teach them basic familiarization and give vernacular and lexicon before the next phase of training. The next phase of training (“walking”) is microlearning sessions, bringing in different functional groups and going through actions by providing screen shots and walking learners through the system. This is an instructor-led, broad outline that overviews functions and is about 30 minutes per session. The last phase (“running”) is intensive instructor-led training done either face-to-face or via virtual learning platform where learners achieve a list of objectives according to the curriculum, test their proficiency and learn specific tasks relevant to their jobs/functional group. This method has been proven to be useful, accessible and successful at Ellumen.
Cutting-edge technology enhances the learning environment: Another new and exciting training method has enabled virtual and remote instructors to be present with students: the use of our telepresence robot. The robot enables instructors to provide intervention or assistance with full access to a trainee’s behavior pattern, including keystrokes, body language and surroundings. This reduces interruptions in a full class and increases a trainee’s likelihood of asking for help. The robot also serves as a middle ground between in person and remote instruction, is easy to ship and assemble, and cuts travel costs for trainers. The Ellumen Team has beta tested the telepresence robot in full classroom environments with great outcomes.
Interested in learning more about our training capabilities? Visit our training services page or reach out to one of our experts.