Employers are usually looking for abilities and qualities that they recognise to be present in the most effective employees. These soft skills, such as being able to communicate effectively in a variety of situations, showing initiative, time management, and having a good work attitude, are valuable across all industries. However, equally important are key skills that we all need in everyday life such as numeracy and literacy.

The previous format of security courses culminated in multiple choice exams key skills were not regularly introduced into this as standard as they were not required.Now not only does our E-Learning encourage key skills but shows a commitment to an employer and that their employee has a good work attitude.

Advantages of online or E-Learning

• Class work can be scheduled around work and family commitments
• Reduces travel time and travel costs for delegates and their employers
• Reduces the amount of time away from work.
• Learning hours and system access is logged on the system
• Management reports can be created by user
• Delegates can study anywhere they have access to a computer and Internet
connection
• Self-paced learning modules allow students to work at their own pace
• E Learning promotes key skills- numeracy and literacy without having to take separate
courses
• Fosters more interaction amongst students and instructors than in large lecture
Courses by using the email portal
• E Learning can accommodate different learning styles and facilitate learning through a
variety of activities
• Develops knowledge of the Internet and computers skills that will help delegates
throughout their lives and careers
• Successfully completing E Learning courses builds self-knowledge and self-confidence
and encourages students to take responsibility for their learning
• Delegates may have the option to select learning materials that meets their level of
knowledge and interest
• E Learning makes learning more accessible to people with learning difficulties
• E Learning can be adapted or incorporate themes that will aid people with specific
learning difficulties such as dyslexia

Disadvantages of E-Learning

• Delegates with low motivation or bad study habits may fall behind, although
individuals may be supported by system prompted emails to remind delegates to study
• Without the routine structures of a traditional class, students may get lost or
confused about course activities and deadlines, by offering great content and
instructions this is unlikely
• Students may feel isolated from the instructor and classmates, with the e-learning
module comes an interactive link to trainers and admin staff to offer support
• Instructor may not always be available when students are studying or need help
• Slow Internet connections or older computers may make accessing course materials
frustrating
• Managing computer files and online learning software can sometimes seem complex
for students with beginner-level computer skills, with the e-learning
module comes an interactive link to trainers and admin staff to offer support
• Hands-on or scenario work is difficult to simulate in a virtual classroom , the physical
intervention training is always conducted in a classroom environment.

How DSTO make e-learning simple for all to use

• DSTO will monitor and track the progress of our learners and contact them if we are concerned they do not appear to be logging in and doing the work needed. We will motivate them to continue and get the best out of our students.
• Students are able to contact us 5 days a week and we endeavour to reply to any students within 24 hours (unless weekends). The office is manned during the day Monday – Friday. All of our staff are experienced in the security industry and not just the trainers.
• The programs used on our E Learning are accessible via I phone, I pad and other Android handsets and pcs that have Microsoft office viewers. (Microsoft PPT viewer is a standard application free of charge and pre installed)
• Our learners do not have to manage files. All of the information needed is accessible via our E Learning site. They can however download it if they want to access it at times they don’t have internet access.
• As our courses are classroom based as well as E learning all scenarios and practical training is kept in the classroom.

E Learning is the best of both worlds and DSTO are proud to be able to progress their learning strategy in a difficult economic climate. This surely is a win- win solution for companies and employees.