Home > News > September 2004 > 22-Sep-2004

Metropolitan Police investigate blended learning

The Metropolitan Police explored a blended learning approach to training, after 12 training managers piloted a team leadership skills programme from Balance Learning.

The programme provided the training managers, who came from local police stations and specialist units, with the opportunity to combine e-learning with a follow-up workshop.

"Working in teams is a fundamental part of policing. Previously we’ve used traditional classroom training to develop team leadership skills, but in an ever-changing climate it is important to remain open to new and different methods of training," said Theresa Reeder, Police Staff Development Co-ordinator.

The e-learning aspect of the programme is designed to be accessed via the Internet or a corporate intranet. However, for this pilot Balance provided its e-learning modules on CD Rom. Participants were able to work through the interactive quizzes and video scenarios at their own pace before attending the leadership skills workshop.

Balance also provided the classroom resources for the workshop and post-event, follow-up activities. The e-learning modules featured pre and post-course tests to guide and track the learning of the participants; the results of the post-course tests were fed back to a training consultant at Balance Learning.

According to Balance the feedback from the training managers was very positive and believe the blended learning approach would enable training to fit in around operational policing, minimising abstractions and providing greater flexibility.

Balance Learning is now seeking to further explore the options of blended learning with individual training managers within the Metropolitan Police.

Related information

For related news, case studies, articles and research, visit our
blended learning home page

Books for training professionals

• Bookshop home page
• Blended learning books
• e-Learning books

Find blended learning providers

Visit the Training Reference Directory to view supplier details for a wide range of courses, products and services. Related categories:

• Blended learning providers

Sponsored links

Back to top