Online NVQ's & SVQ's - Information

These new online courses are designed to transform the way we deliver vocational qualifications (NVQ's & SVQ's) and Personal Development courses. We are now able to participate in a blended learning environment, which thanks to Internet delivery, is no longer confined to a specific workplace, allowing greater flexibility for both learners and training.

By moving both coursework and portfolio building online, we are able to create a central store of all information relating to a learner’s progress the need for bulky paper based coursework and evidence folders is now completely removed, streamlining the work flow for learners and trainers alike.

Increased Productivity

With learners able to progress through courses quicker and We are able to make more productive use of their training time. We are now able to manage a significantly increased number of candidates per trainer, with an increase in overall quality of service.

Completion Tracking

Training organisations will now have the ability to track a learner’s progress through a course at all times, The benefits of using the online system include:

Benefits for Learners

• Reduced overall delivery costs
  
• Cost effective solution - pay as you go licence model
• Total transparency and tracking of learners
• Real-time progress tracking of Assessors workload
• Maximise trainers effective time - improved productivity
• Detailed management reporting
• Improved award-based billing claims
• Accredited by many of the leading awarding bodies
• In line with government's Life Long Learning initiatives
• Learners study when they want, where they want
• No bulky paper-based portfolios to manage or store
• Intuitive to use with minimal training required
• Learners can track their own progress at all times
• Instant access to course materials and resources
• Build dynamic online evidence folders
• Immediate communication with their trainer
• Interaction with others on their course
• No software or hardware to install

Benefits for Companies

• Enhances current programmes
• Increased efficiency and reduction in paperwork
• Streamlined workflow and learner management
• Improved communication with learners
• Total visibility over learner's portfolios and progress
• Work from home or the office - anywhere with Internet access
• Greater control over deadlines and learner development
• Learners achieve results more rapidly
• Easy access for internal and external verifiers
• Full Integration with other learning environments

Within the system documentation such as course notes and support materials are available to all users as part of their online course folder. Learners then build an online portfolio of evidence that they use to support their competence claims against the criteria set out in the course standards.

Trainers can then review these competence claims before awarding the individual units of the course, or return the competence claim to the candidate with instructions for further work. All of this takes place online allowing for a more effective use of both the Candidate and Assessor's time.

In addition to this, communication tools and knowledge forums build a sense of community where users can interact with each other and share valuable information and advice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are my candidates' portfolios secure?

Everything is password protected and backed up on a daily basis. Providing you and your candidates keep your password secure, no unauthorised access can be made to the system.

What happens if it all gets lost on the web?

This cannot happen. All files are backed up and saved on a daily basis. The system has now been operational for over 3 years and without ever losing a single document.

Can candidates' employers see their portfolios?

Candidate information is confidential between the assessor and verifier. Employers may receive updates on their candidates? progress, but not access to their portfolios unless candidates authorise it.

Can the candidate operate the system from home?

You can access the system anywhere you can get an Internet connection. You can even do it on holiday!

Do you have to be good with computers?

Any learner with experience of using the Internet and Email will face no difficulties in gaining full advantage of the system. No advanced IT skills are required, in fact, learners often find that an added benefit of the system is that it adds to the development of their own IT skills.

How are the portfolios internally verified?

Your internal verifier can sign on and review candidate's folders at any time. However, when verification samples are selected, they will verify that unit and provide feedback in the contact diary - usually as a private entry. The unit verified, will then be highlighted purple on your overview within Candidate Manager.

Can external verifiers view portfolios?

External verifiers can request their sample in the usual way by visiting the centre. However, Learning Assistant can also give them remote access to view the selected candidates from another location. This would normally be done through a request to the centre detailing the sample and the access would be given for a set length of time.

How do you authenticate evidence?

In very similar ways as to how you currently authenticate evidence. Your internal verifiers will guide you on the centre requirements, but the normal methods are candidate interviews, verbal questioning, witness testimonies, observations, etc. You as the Assessor still have to make the judgement that the evidence is the candidate's own work.

What do the awarding bodies say?

City and Guilds have endorsed Learning Assistant. SQA have a policy of not endorsing any product but are happy for their centres to use the system. Other awarding bodies can be contacted at the request of any centre for guidance and authorisation. All awarding bodies are looking at ways of enhancing the learning experience and know that the available technology has to be used wherever possible.