Technology Assisted Training Initiative—E-learning and Virtual Classroom Platforms (Details)

Name of province/ territory:

Ontario

City/ Region:

Ontario

Description of Initiative:

Use of E-learning and video confencing technology to augment conventional training methodologies in reaching deployed Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) members across the province.

This includes the launch of the OPP E-learning platform and the development of a network of 14 virtual classsroom locations across the province, inter-linked using high-definition video conferencing technology.

Initiative Key Objectives:

Enhancement of training options and their availability to deployed OPP personnel along with resulting savings from reduced travel costs.

Section Responsible for Implementation:

OPP Academy

Key Contact:

Matt Lewandowski
matthew.lewandowski@ontario.ca

Groups/ Agencies/ Key Partners Involved:

  • other government departments/agencies

Level of Involvement (consultative - information sharing) and/or cooperative - direct involvement):

The involved agencies include the Ontario Justice Video Network and the Ontario Police College (OPC). The relationships are both consulative and cooperative.

Amount of Time Initiative has been in Place:

The Technology Assisted Training Initaitive has been expanding since 2009 with the official launch of the OPP E-learning platform in March 2010 and the installation of the first phase of the Virtual Classroom platform in October 2010.

Reason for Undertaking the Initiative:

This initiative was undertaken in order to improve effectiveness and to maximize efficiencies in the OPP training delivery model.

Fiscal concerns played a great role in the introduction of the initiative.

Resources Required to Implement this Initiative:

The costs of the introduction of the Technology Assisted Training Initaitive included both financial and staffing requirements. In some instances, training delivery was increased. In others, it simply provided a more efficient method of delivery (i.e., one virtual course can replace two in-class sessions). These new delivery methods have allowed us to meet the increasing demands in police training.

In total, the overall staffing model supporting the technology assisted learning strategy is four full-time positions. These four positions were reallocated from within the organization. Positions are as follows: one training design and evaluation specialist (uniform sergeant or civilian C0025) and three E-learning multimedia programmers (C0259).

The overall costs of launching the initiative were approximately $400,000, with annual maintenance and networking costs of approximately $150,000. In particular, $400,000 was the initial capital investment in the virtual and E-learning platforms (including the Learning Management System). The total cost of maintaining both platforms is an ongoing fee of $150,000 annually. (Note: $100,000 of the initial capital investment was offset by grant funding received through Proceeds of Crime legislation).

Method of Implementation:

The initiative was phased in, including key phases for both the OPP E-learning and Virtual Classroom platforms.

Key Outcomes of the Initiative:

The key outcomes of this initiative include enhancement of training available to OPP members along with resulting efficiencies and savings through reductions in travel.

Availability of a Communication Strategy:

Yes

Key Messages used to Publicize the Initiative:

An ongoing communication strategy has been utilized to link with all stakeholders involved. Key messages focused on program objectives and results achieved.

Forms of Evaluation by which the Initiative will be Assessed:

  • qualitative
  • quantitative

Evaluation Completed or Community Feedback Received:

Yes

Summary of the Outcomes:

Ongoing evaluation and assesement mechanisms have been implemented for the Technology Assisted Training Initiative.

The results measured include:

  • The Virtual Clasroom platform, through the use of 14 deployed virtual classroom locations (including one at OPC), led to savings of over 804,000 km in travel and 11,833 hours of travel time for OPP members attending training. This translates to approximately $575,000 in savings in travel costs to date, projected to increase to $827,000 by the end of the 2012/13 fiscal year.
  • The OPP E-learning platform has recorded over 51,000 online course completions since 2010, equal to savings of approximately $11 million compared to in-class delivery. Savings of approximately $11 million were calculated as follows: 51,000 recorded online course completions since 2010; $2.5 million in savings for a hosted online course provider (typical cost is $50/course); and, in-class delivery costs for employee averages including: return travel (three hours), meal allowances ($11.25) and kilometres travelled (200 kilometres/$0.44).

Summary of the Performance Measure Data Collected:

N/A

Economics of Policing Pillars:

Further Details:

This initiative is currently limited to the OPP and the OPC course delivery. However, expansion of the system has been discussed with a number of other police agencies.

Additional Comments or Suggestions:

N/A

Record Entry Date:

2013-08-01

Date modified: