SANTA BARBARA, CA – Vitamin Angels, a 501c3 public charity, has begun providing eLearning services to its network of 1,000 NGO field partners that offer nutrition services to over 52 million beneficiaries around the world. The innovative approach to system design meets a critical need for the organization to provide technical training to tens of thousands of health care providers, many of which reside in remote settings with intermittent or no internet access. The xAPI-ready LMS-lite system courseware, built in collaboration with TorranceLearning, a custom learning design and development firm, can be accessed via the internet, or through a simple 8GB USB flash drive. The eLearning system dramatically increases efficiencies for the organization which leverages NGO partnerships to reach underserved and at-risk populations in 60 countries.
“Vitamin Angels’ challenge is to provide more opportunities to more health care providers each year to learn how to implement nutrition services consistent with best practice,” stated Dr. Clayton Ajello, Senior Technical Advisor to Vitamin Angels. “With expert assistance from TorranceLearning, we have developed a unique learning solution.”
Until now, the organization has relied on in-person instructor-led trainings, reaching approximately 1,000 health care providers per year. With the introduction of this new eLearning solution, the organization anticipates reaching at least 6,000 health care providers in just the first year.
Course-specific software applications are delivered via a USB flash drive, which also provides a web server and browser so users can access courses on any computer, irrespective of browser type or version, and even if the learner is not connected to the internet. Course activity for multiple learners can be stored on the USB flash drive and uploaded to the LMS for access by Vitamin Angels when an internet connection is available. Learners who successfully complete the training can print a certificate of completion from the USB flash drive.
The eLearning courses are presented in multiple languages and include video demonstrations of appropriate distribution/administration methods for each nutrition intervention covered, performance tools that can be viewed or printed, and voice and animated graphics to aid low-literacy learners.
“What we’re offering is pretty standard fare for those in the developed world with reliable internet connections, modern internet browsers, and access to cloud-based tools,” said Megan Torrance, Chief Energy Officer of TorranceLearrning. “We met the challenge to deliver modern eLearning to any computer in the world, and get the usage data back to Vitamin Angels, by delivering the entire platform on a lowly USB stick.”
TorranceLearning was recognized for their innovation with the “Best of Show” award at Demofest, part of the eLearning Guild’s Learning Solutions Conference in Orlando, Florida. This exceptional achievement represents back to back “Best of Show” awards for the learning software company.
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About Torrance Learning
TorranceLearning helps clients build individual and organizational success by crafting custom learning experiences. By combining performance-based instructional design with software development and engaging media, TorranceLearning improves on-the-job results for people working in corporate, association and non-profit roles. TorranceLearning is based in Cheslea, Michigan. To learn more, visit www.torrancelearning.com.