Time to learn

The Danish Technological Institute has designed a new training programme concept - ‘Time To Learn’ - that successfully transforms classic training programme concepts into long-term learning programmes that integrate various learning methods over time.

International studies by people like professor Robert O. Brinkerhoff shows that conditions unrelated to the actual lecturing account for up to 80% of the effect of a training course. The studies also show that insufficient preparation prior to the course coupled with lacking follow-up is often the reason why no effect can be registered.

The Danish Technological Institute faced the challenge of designing a learning concept that enhances the benefits for the individual participant and company.

The ‘Time To Learn’ concept was developed from a recognition that time is a limited resource for companies and participants alike. A company may have a hard time doing without an employee for a long continuous period of time. Similarly, employees may find it stressful to set aside a week or more of their already hectic lives and still find time for their families. The new concept therefore stretches over an extended period of time during which the participants also attend to their jobs. This process means that the acquired knowledge is constantly tested, developed and retained during the learning course. It also ensures that the acquired knowledge will in time be embedded in the company.

An awareness of people’s various preferences for learning a given subject-matter was another factor in developing the new concept. Some reap the greatest benefit from role-playing, computer games, individual or group assignment solving, while others prefer to ‘cram’ theory. Therefore, the concept includes both independent study courses, e-learning, individual dialogue and feedback. Further, participants perform an online curriculum test prior to each lecturing day. The test gives the lecturer constant input that allows him or her to tailor the lecture to need and level. Prior to the exam preparation day, participants obtain access to online test exams with MeasureUp.

Currently, the concept is supplied to IT professionals of Microsoft technologies, who have welcomed the concept because it guarantees that they will pass Microsoft certification.

In the future, the Institute will also offer courses in personal development and management under the ‘Time To Learn’ concept.