In-house e-Learning Program in Human Services and Public Health Creates Cost Savings and Positive Outcomes

About the Program

Category: Personnel Management, Employment and Training (Best in Category)

Year: 2010

Hennepin County Human Services and Public Health (HSPHD) developed an in-house electronic learning design and development program that is less costly than contracting for vendor services and promotes an improved work environment and increased level of training for department employees. HSHPD utilized existing training resources and conducted thorough industry best practice research to develop an iterative, collaborative e-learning design and development model that results in timely, engaging and effective products. Department staff has convenient access to essential training whenever and wherever it is needed, which increases productivity and decreases costs associated with traditional training delivery models. The collaborative design and development method relies on a high level of customer involvement and results in products that are relevant, current and focused on doing rather than knowing. Representatives from the e-learning program meet monthly with e-learning representatives from across the country to share theory, experiences and expertise with online learning and to collaborate on the best practices for purchasing, design and development of e-learning content to be used through the Hennepin County Learning Center. Since the e-learning program began in January 2007, the county has published 31 e-learning products.