How eLearning Can Be Used in Care
The Care Quality Commission's introduction of the Care Certificate has changed the way in which those working in care are assessed. The reasons for this was to create consistency across the sector and ensure that staff are competent in their daily duties. The overall aim, as with any assessment, is to make sure the best quality of work and service is provided.
It’s the responsibility of the employer to make sure that staff are equipped with all the basic knowledge to show their competence in the workplace and pass the standards needed for the Care Certificate.
While working in care requires practical skills, having knowledge about how to conduct yourself and knowing the most up-to-date legislation is vital. eLearning is emerging as an efficient method to help train staff on all these aspects, including learning the basic knowledge required for the Care Certificate.
What are the Benefits of eLearning in Care?
For those unfamiliar or not confident with computers, the thought of eLearning can be daunting. However, eLearning courses are extremely easy to use and each part of the online training can be taken step by step, so the learner can get used to working on the computer. Plus, once workers get acquainted with the eLearning resources, you’ll find plenty of other key benefits to enjoy.
More Environmentally Friendly
The reduction of paper and travel for training courses means that energy use can be reduced by 87% through online training, making eLearning much more environmentally friendly.
Allowing Learners to Go at Their Own Pace
Everybody learns at a different speed. As the training is all done individually, learners can take their time and go slower in certain modules or sections that they find more challenging.
Flexible Schedule
Working hours, particularly for those working in care, are not regular. Trying to find a time for multiple employees to sit down and do some training can be a struggle. Thankfully, eLearning can be done anytime, anywhere. This means the training fits in with even the tightest of schedules, allowing users to work it around their work and personal lives.
Bitesize Modules are Less Daunting
Traditional training courses can be intensive, as learners are asked to take in a lot of information in a short space of time. There can be an overwhelming feeling when looking at a huge pile of training paperwork and knowing that it needs to be completed. This feeling is eroded when all of the information is in online modules, so you can see each section broken down.
More Cost-Effective
Not having to pay for a venue and trainer means eLearning is much more cost-effective. Big companies are moving towards eLearning as a way to save millions of pounds which would have been spent on training. This can also be replicated in the care sector and can help reduce the stress placed on managers when adding up the cost of a training course.
Up-To-Date Information
This is a particularly important component when working in the care sector. Legislation and policies are more important than ever and making sure staff adhere to regulations is essential. eLearning courses will have all the latest information on person-centered care, health and safety, safeguarding training and much more.
Is eLearning the Way Forward in Care?
Like all eLearning courses, it’s important that the skills and knowledge gained online can then be replicated and competence is shown in practice. As part of a staff induction, eLearning is an ideal gateway for staff to gain the theoretical knowledge needed for work.
Author Bio: Keir McDonald is the CEO and founder of EduCare, offering a variety of online training courses for the education, health and social care, and sport sectors.