Developing Policy, Procedure and Standards for Online Training

Kevin R. Duffy, M.A.Ed.Daytona State CollegeSchool of Emergency ServicesCenter for Online Public Safety Training

http://DaytonaState.edu/COPST

Policy? Procedures? So, what?We are embracing online training programs to meet training goals, provide basic and advanced skill training, and meet training requirements.

Today we will speak directly to the online training environment and the changes in policy and procedure that are necessary to effectively use this new training medium.

Question:Has your agency adapted policies and procedures to meet the needs of e-learning?

Policy ConsiderationsHour-Based Training

Approval of Training Vehicles

On-duty vs. Off-duty

Network Issues

Hour-Based TrainingTraining normally specified in hours of

seat time

Equivalency to hours of classroom time must be determined

Justification must be enumerated for accrediting bodies or certification agenciesUse their standardsUse vendor standards, i.e., Certificate hoursApply some equivalency formula specified in your

policies and carefully documented

Approval of Training and Retraining VehiclesSome top approval of training is normally required

Records should include a syllabus for a specific class or course with a letter explaining approval and applicability

Approval should be reapplied when there are significant curriculum changes, or every two years

On-Duty vs Off-DutyPayment of overtime for classwork completed off company/agency timeCould be a contract issueShould be set in policyDefine this before it becomes an

issue

Question:

Is on-duty vs. off-duty an issue for your agency?

Network IssuesPassword and authentication

Different passwords than system Set in policy

Site blockingOnline classroom may want students to visit

sites prohibited by your agency, i.e., YouTubeDetermine how to handle these issues

Temporary allowancesUse of personal equipment for these

activities

Procedural Considerations

Course ReviewRegistrationPaymentStudent MonitoringPenalties for Non-Completion

Course ReviewRequire course review by training personnel and/or leadershipDetermine compliance with

company/agency standardsDetermine compliance with

company/agency goalsDetermine compatibility with other

programs

Registration and PaymentProcedural application for training – specify online presentation

How payment is to be handledAgency Credit CardAgency Purchase OrderDirect BillingStudent Reimbursement

Student MonitoringTrack employee progress

Critical to those ordered to complete certain trainingReport WritingEthics

Interim progress reportsSupervisor monitoringStudent progress reporting

Question:

What happens now if a student does not complete a course?

•Termination

•Suspension or Reprimand

•Repayment of costs

•Depends on the person and/or course

•Nothing

Penalties for Non-CompletionTuition payback

Letter of reprimand

Days off/suspension

Other sanctions

Standards for E-LearningSelf-Paced Training

Student is issued a certificateStudent gets certificate at the end of the module

Instructor-Led Online TrainingStudent is issued a certificateStudent has to complete various activities

Policies and procedures must provide standards for reporting and record keeping

ConclusionWhen e-learning is adopted, policies must be reviewed and adapted

Rank and file must be trained to encourage compliance and reduce “surprises.”

Proactive review and revision is preferable to reactive review and revision

Questions

Contact Kevin R. Duffy, M.A.Ed.

Daytona State CollegeSchool of Emergency ServicesDuffyK@DaytonaState.edu386-547-9625

Center for Online Public Safety Training (COPST)http://DaytonaState.edu/COPST

Instructor-Led Online LearningVariety of Courses, one to six weeksTuition $39 to $239

Report Writing Grant WritingSupervision SkillsFTO Supervision and ManagementContraband and Asset ForfeitureOthers