e-learning case studies

KnowledgePool eLearning NCSL

Case study: Bespoke e-learning for bursar training

Background

The National College for School Leadership (NCSL) was set up by the Government to provide a single national focus for school leadership development, research and innovation. It provides career-long learning and development opportunities for school leaders including head teachers, school business managers and subject leaders.

NCSL developed two courses - the Certificate of School Business Management (CSBM) and Diploma of School Business Management (DSBM) - aimed at keeping bursars at the peak of their professional powers and raising the profile of bursars as a profession.

The college wanted to use modern technology to provide bursars all over the UK with online training and support.

NCSL approached KnowledgePool eLearning, a company with over 40 years' experience of providing enterprise-wide learning solutions to more than 2,000 organisations, to develop the online element of the certificate.

E-learning solution

Working in partnership with NCSL, Lincoln University and experienced bursars, KnowledgePool's project team developed a blended solution to delivering training for the certificate which employed a range of learning techniques/interventions.

In addition to the custom e-learning, KnowledgePool provided extra support to bursars in the form of generic courses in basic IT skills, covering Microsoft Word, Excel and Access enabling candidates to select from a library of key skills to match their individual needs.

The programme also provides a forum for bursars to compare best practice, sharing ideas and general networking through online discussion groups.

Results

The effectiveness of the certificate course was proven following independent evaluation by Manchester University. Its researchers found participants responded very well to the programme, finding it had had a wide-ranging impact both on individuals and on their workplaces.

As a result, KnowledgePool has subsequently been commissioned to develop all the components of the diploma programme.

One bursar who took the course said: 'The better I can handle the finances, the more teachers can concentrate on what they do best: teaching.'

Trevor Summerson, Bursar Development Programme Manager at NCSL, said: 'KnowledgePool demonstrated considerable skills flexibility and learning experience in helping the college deliver the CSBM. They have taken the knowledge, skills and understanding contained in our workbooks, turning this into exciting interactive e-learning.

'Bursars play an increasingly critical role as resource managers for schools and colleges. The e-learning modules on this course offer a flexible alternative to candidates undertaking the programme, allowing them more freedom to structure their own learning in their preferred style and thus making a valuable contribution to their ongoing professional development.'