The challenge
Following heavy investment of both time and money, there was county-wide interest in Gloucestershire’s new 14-19 vocational learning schemes. As with many new schemes, schools and training providers initially tracked the progress of their learners through traditional means such as paper-based registers and spreadsheets which, as the courses grew in popularity and more learners received off-site learning, became unsuitable and inaccurate.
With learning taking place in various locations around Gloucestershire, learner records were far spread and not directly accessible from the head offices. For the vocational learning schemes to succeed, Gloucestershire required a secure central mainframe to link all parties and systems and provide real-time access to student records, no matter where they were located.
The solution
With Gloucestershire monitoring and supporting multiple learners and delivery partners over a number of locations, Perspective recommended the implementation of a fully SIF (System Interoperability Framework) integrated version of Collaborative Learning Manager (CLM). Adapted to suit the direct needs of Gloucestershire in the 14-19 Diploma environment, it provided a fast and accurate web interface for schools, colleges and other delivery partners to record learner progress and attendance, while managing all information in a single location.
CLM is a highly effective means of measuring and monitoring learner attendance and progress in the increasingly competitive environment of distributed learning.
The software monitors every learner as they progress throughout the qualification; specifically monitoring attendance and progress and enabling a free flow of information between all parties involved in the delivery of the Diploma. It also quickly flags up issues such as unauthorised absences or a swift decline in progress. Marks are easily entered for aptitude and effort as well as formal grades, creating an overall picture of learner development.
CLM provides real-time data that can be accessed at any time enabling attendance statistics, learner statistics and learning management reports to be produced quickly and easily at the touch of a button. Being fully SIF enabled allows all systems to communicate and share data with one another. As a result, the timely process of duplicate data entry will be made obsolete.
The implementation of CLM will ensure smooth delivery of 14 – 19 Diplomas, enabling learners to reach their maximum potential and enhancing the overall success of the Diploma qualification.
The results
The accurate monitoring of progression and attendance that CLM offers was hugely beneficial to the success of the vocational schemes by immediately identifying any red-flag areas, such as falling grades or unauthorised absences that needed to be dealt with. In turn, with 24 hour access to up-to-date learner records, this allowed any problem areas to be fixed before it was too late.
Janet Rice at Gloucestershire Local Authority, commented: “CLM has without doubt streamlined all of our processes and not only saved us (staff and delivery partners) time in administration and allowed us to accurately keep abreast of our students progress, it has also meant we can fix any problems before they become a bigger issue – which in turn has allowed our success rates to increase.
“For the learner, having access to their own records has increased motivation and allowed them to work harder in areas they need to, without an unwelcome push from us.
“CLM offers instant access to up to the minute learner records and has been hugely beneficial to all parties involved. It has enabled partners to access attendance and progress information readily to help monitor and subsequently support the learners concerned. I would highly recommend CLM to any Local Authority seeking an effective and easy to use learner management system.”