Support

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Why should I upload a course to the Catalogue?

The Learning Catalogue is for all Learning Pool members to use as a resource for creating your own modules.  It contains over 400 modules which can all be tailored.

You don't have to share the modules you create, but most members do.  We've got some fantastic modules on diverse topics as a result.

To continue to grow the catalogue we ask that you share any courses you have created for other members to use.  This way, we can build an even stronger community, saving you time and money.

It's a virtuous circle.

2. What hardware specification do I need to use the Authoring Tool?

The Learning Pool authoring tool is an easy-to-use content creation tool, which allows non-technical practitioners to create their own elearning quickly and easily. The tool is template driven and generates linked pages containing text, graphics and interactive elements such as online quizzes, drag and drop and clickable graphics. The output is standard HTML and JavaScript and is compatible with all version 4 browsers and above. Learning Pool subscribers receive unlimited licenses to use the authoring tool within their authority and are able to download the tool from the Learning Pool website.

In order to get the most out of Learning Pool, we recommend that users have a PC with a minimum spec as follows:

Processor: 400 Mhz or above

Disk space: 50MB for installation, plus 2-10MB per e-learning module

Os: Windows NT4/2000/XP

Browser: Internet Explorer 5.5 or above, with JavaScript enabled

Software: .net framework (1.1) installed (mandatory for elearning exchange)

3. What Does SCORM mean and why is important?

SCORM stands for Sharable Content Object Reference Model (!) and it is the technical standard used to design and build e-learning so that it can be tracked by a learning management system and, in our case, our DLE. SCORM is necessary to record the progress of a learner.  An example of this is, how long it takes a user to complete a course.

4. How do I source e-learning?

Step 1 - Check the Learning Catalogue to see if we already have a module on the topic of your interest. Step 2 –Talk to your Learning Pool contacts or email support@learningpool.com to see if we know if a course exists within the community that has not yet been shared to the catalogue. Step 3 – Ask other Learning Community members if they are already working on your topic by posting in the forum – you may be able to develop something together, share resources or simply compare notes. Step 4 – DIY?  Use your Authoring Tool to create e-learning that perfectly matches your requirements.  Look for help and information from within the community to make this a smooth (and enjoyable!) experience. Step 5 -  If you still can’t find anything then download our SCORM checklist* to help with the process of sourcing your course. Step 5a - Please also spend some time reading this blog post for information on some of the problems you can avoid when sourcing e-learning from 3rd party providers. *The checklist may appear pretty technical but it covers a range of technical specifics that any reputable e-learning company would treat with a breeze.  We are always available to help support you through any stage of this process!

5. What is e-learning?

There are lots of definitions for e-learning.   At Learning Pool we refer to e-learning as anything learning related that uses technology.  If you need something more comprehensive go to en.wikipedia.org/wiki/E-learning.

6. What is the public sector learning community?

The public sector learning community is a group of people who work together on learning related projects.  You can find out more from the showreel on our About page.  

7. Who does Learning Pool supply e-learning services to?

We provide services to any organisation in the public sector.  This includes councils (large and small), charities, housing associations, police, fire and rescue authorities, passenger transport authorities and universities. We also offer services to central government departments and trade unions.

8. What type of e-learning courses do you supply?

The catalogue in Learning Pool grows every day as we and our customers build and share new content. We offer a broad range of content, from induction courses, through to recruitment and selection, procurement, social care and information management.  Our Learning Catalogue also contains resources on Autism, Touch Typing and managing change and transition. We also build content for customers with learning needs but time contraints.

9. Do you provide any specific Social Care e-learning?

We’ve recently launched a new service specifically around social care.  This service aims to help train around the personalisation and care pathway in social care.  Plus we have modules for Common Induction Standards training.  Find out more here.

10. What if I forget my Learning Pool user details?

You have a few options.  First, you can use the ‘forgot password’ option and we’ll email you a reminder. If that doesn’t work you can email support@learningpool.com or call us on 0845 543 6033 – we’d be happy to hear from you and help you out.

11. What does the role of my Learning Consultant cover?

Each Learning Pool subscriber is assigned a Learning Consultant to look after their relationship with Learning Pool, provide advice on strategy, rollout, technology and engagement. Our Learning Consultants have all worked in senior Learning and Development roles, often in local authorities, and provide really useful advice and support to all subscribers.

13. What is web 2.0? How do you use it to enhance the learning experience?

Web 2.0 is the new wave of internet technology.  You can find out lots more at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Web_2.0 . At Learning Pool we think this offers huge opportunities for learning by using tools such as discussions, blogs and wikis to enable informal learning, engagement and collaboration among learners.  Our DLE has all of these features and more already built in.

12. How can I find out if my council is already a subscriber?

Email us at hello@learningpool.com or call 0207 101 9383 to find out who subscribes.

14. What is the image library and how can I access it?

The image library is now a part of the Learning Catalogue.   We provide over 1,500 free images to Learning Pool members that they can use to augment their e-learning. We commissioned the photos ourselves so we know that they are professional, UK based and absolutely right for the public sector. Subscribers can use these images as often as they like at no charge by going to the Learning Catalogues and searching for images.

15. What reporting features does the DLE have?

The DLE has some extremely powerful reporting features which make it very different from other open source Learning Management Systems. DLE customers can report on all user activity including course completion, time spent, quiz performance and non-responders.  Reports can also be automated so that super users receive them automatically on a regular basis.

16. What is Instructional Design and how do I get started?

Instructional design is the design of instruction, training or learning.  Sounds obvious, but what does that mean in real terms? Good instructional design is about motivating, engaging and inspiring your learners and making sure that they learn what you need them to know. To get started designing e-learning for your target audience you first need to decide what you need them to know or to be able to do by the end of the course.  By writing out your learning objectives up front you can make sure both you and your learners are clear on the desired outcomes. Your learning objectives are the bare bones of your e-learning and the next step is to start fleshing them out.  You may already have materials to help you do this or you may need to enlist the help of a subject matter expert (SME). Once your content is in place it’s time to start the instructional design process by considering the best , or ways, of presenting the information to allow your learners to learn. Making it real to your learners by presenting case studies and scenarios is one way of doing this or give them a brief introduction and then getting them to try it out for themselves.  The best way will depend on the required outcomes, but making sure all the information is clear, concise and engaging is key to any successful e-learning project. Learning Pool has a team of experienced instructional designers and typically their background has been in classroom training, multimedia design and production and teaching.

17. How should I structure an e-learning course in my DLE?

We've created some best practice advice to help you create a really great e-learning course. Click here for an introduction to structuring an e-learning course. Click here for more advanced ideas

18. What's the best way to use the DLE building blocks?

Take a look at our short DLE course about Building Blocks.

19. How do I enrol students on my DLE?

This short DLE course will introduce you to the DLE Enrolment Manager.

20. Do you have any help for administrators of DLEs?

We hold regular one day workshops for DLE administrators in London and Manchester where you will receive one to one training in how to manage and administer your DLE from our inhouse trainer, Paul McGettigan. You will have received a number of free places when you first signed up however, if you have more administrators to train, you can purchase additional places.  View our workshop programme here. We've also created this free DLE Tutorial Masterclass.

21. Do you have any help for those creating e-learning with your Authoring Tool?

We hold regular two day workshops for e-learning Instructional Designers (those creating e-learning courses) in London and Manchester where you will receive one to one training in how to manage and administer your DLE from our inhouse trainer, Paul McGettigan.

You will have received a number of free places when you first signed up however, if you have more administrators to train, you can purchase additional places.  View our workshop programme here.

We've also created this free Getting Started with the Authoring Tool Masterclass.

22. How do I create a poll in my DLE?

You can use the Choice Activity to run a poll on your DLE for your learners.   See our Choice Activity course to find out how.

Contact Us

General Enquiries

T: 0207 101 9383 E: hello@learningpool.com Twitter: @learningpool Learning Pool 55 Clarendon Street DERRY BT48 7ER

Technical Support

Our customer support desk is open: Monday to Friday 8am to 8pm Saturday and Sunday 9am to 5.30pm Bank holidays 9am to 5.30pm Please email support@learningpool.com or call 0845 543 6033 for any technical or user guidance you need.

Useful Information

You'll also find some useful resources here and can get help from other Learning Pool subscribers in the community area.

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