World-first certification programme for e-Learning professionals launched
The world's first comprehensive certification programme for e-Learning professionals was formally launched by Institute of IT Training and The Training Foundation at Learning Technologies 2002 in London today.
The Certified e-Learning Professional Programme (CeLP) consists of more than 300 learner hours of online, self-paced study materials designed for collaborative learning with online tutorial support.
CeLP is designed to cater for the needs of anyone involved in the fast developing world of e-Learning.
Certification tracks are available for: e-Learning Consultants, e-Learning Developers, e-Learning Tutors and e-Learning Managers.
The Certificate programme may then be complemented by a number of electives that broaden the candidate's knowledge and skills in order to gain a full Diploma in e-Learning.
All CeLP courses have been developed by The Training Foundation, who will also manage the programme's learning portal www.elearningprofessional.com
The Training Foundation was launched in 1998. It is the only cross industry standards-driven organisation in the UK dedicated solely to providing support and development to training professionals. Since autumn 1998, over 4000 training professionals from 600+ organisations have undertaken certification programmes with TTF via classroom or online courses
The Institute of IT Training (IITT) competency framework, which underpins the CeLP programme, was developed on the basis of over two years' experience of setting standards for the e-Learning industry in the UK..
"More than 2,000 individuals from industry and academia have enrolled on the IITT's Online Tutor and Online Trainer courses over the last two years", explained CeLP Programme Director, Clive Shepherd. "This new certification programme builds on the experience we've gained and offers a much wider curriculum to those wishing to make a career in e-Learning."
The Advisory Board is drawn from a range of organisations and sectors to ensure rigour and relevance. Representatives include: UfI, the Open University, the e-Learning Network, KnowledgePool, Lancaster University, Edexcel, e-skills NTO and the Institute of IT Training.
Verification and Certification for the CeLP programme in the UK, Africa, Middle East and Asia is provided by NCC Education, the UK Awarding body with an international reputation for educational qualifications in over 40 countries around the world.
"Research continues to show that a global shortage of skills is holding back companies from implementing and benefiting from e-Learning - this is not just a UK need; it's world-wide." explained Nick Mitchell, Chief Executive of The Training Foundation.
David Pottinger, the Managing Director of NCC Education commented: "With the trend towards delivering learning online, development of e-Learning skills is undoubtedly of global interest. We were impressed by the range, scope and quality of the Certified e-Learning Professional programme and are happy to endorse this publicly by awarding certification to successful candidates."