Since the Covid-19 pandemic, remote and e-learning courses have become a crucial cornerstone of workplace training. From onboarding to upskilling and refresher training, remote learning allows learners to study at their own pace, at a time and place that suits them.

ACT is proud to have been ahead of the curve when it comes to remote and e-learning health and safety courses – we began with disk-based courses over 20 years ago, and we’ve been constantly evolving ever since. Nowadays we offer a wide range of expert health, safety, and wellbeing courses through our custom e-learning platform, including accredited courses from NEBOSH, IOSH, and UKATA. We’ve also developed a NEBOSH National Diploma Blended Learning course for those who prefer a more independent and self-directed style of learning.

The road to e-learning: leading the way to success in remote learning for over three decades

To learn more about how ACT’s remote learning journey began and how it continues to evolve, we spoke with Support and Development Manager Julie Skett. Julie’s overseen countless development projects over her 30 years at ACT, and shared how the company’s approach to remote learning has changed over the years.

What was the first disk-based course developed by ACT and when was it released?

I think it was the NEBOSH National General Certificate. It was the first of its kind, and NEBOSH approved it too. Definitely pioneering for the time, though I can’t remember the exact year, it must be over 20 years ago!

How was distance or disk-based learning viewed at the time?

Back then, distance or blended learning was very new, and not everyone immediately saw its benefits. Once we had NEBOSH Certificate, Diploma, and IOSH Managing Safely courses on disk, we started offering blended options, mixing classroom time with e-learning. The unitised NEBOSH Certificates really lent themselves to this approach.

What prompted the development of a distance learning course?

We wanted to be innovative and reach as many learners as possible. Offering flexible packages meant we could meet different needs and give people the best of both worlds.

How did your approach to developing a disk-based course differ from a classroom course?

It was a bit of a challenge. We had to make sure learners got a good experience, could work independently, and were still prepared for exams. We tried to draw on the tutors’ experience by using their nuggets of wisdom, relatable stories, and examples from the classroom and add that into the disk-based learning. A real challenge I can always recall!

How did your experience over the years help when it came to developing the NEBOSH Diploma Blended Learning course?

Years of working with different delivery methods gave us insights into balancing content, pacing, and learner support. Seeing what works in different formats helped us shape a blended approach that we hope is engaging and effective.

How does ACT plan to keep innovating when it comes to distance learning?

We’re always looking at new technology and approaches to make learning more flexible and accessible. Innovation comes from listening to feedback from learners and tutors and adapting along the way, while continuing to maintain the high-quality content which has always been important to us.

 

E-learning: the key to flexible learning

While Julie’s role focuses on managing and shaping the direction of ACT’s learning projects, the company’s e-learning innovation also depends on the technical expertise behind the scenes. We spoke with Rob Sannwald-Dunn, who has been Products and Technical Supervisor for ACT for almost 20 years. He shared more about what goes in to creating a modern and engaging e-learning course.

Do you remember what ACT’s first fully online elearning course was and when it was released?

When I started at ACT 18 years ago, they had not long launched their first online courses – The NEBOSH General Certificate and the NEBOSH National Diploma – Based on the same principles as the CD versions, but accessible 24/7 from anywhere with a computer and an internet connection – rarer than you’d think even in the early 2000s. I was tasked with creating the IOSH Working Safely e-learning course, a brand new qualification for us at the time – Incorporating what was then the modern interaction tool – Flash – several interactive videos and exercises (early gamification) were added to enhance the overall package and help delegates learn in a new interested way.

What are some advantages of studying through e-learning as opposed to traditional classroom based learning?

The core advantage that remains true to this day, is the ability to complete as much or as little as you can at a time – Bite size chunks works well with self-learning, as not to get information overload. Another key advantage especially to businesses is the cost effectiveness, not just with the price, but the time that is necessary to study – coupled with the above point, this allows it to fit in with work more easily.

How has ACT’s e-learning platform changed over time?

Going from having to install the course on a home PC or laptop using a CD, to having a fully mobile-friendly platform accessible online 24/7, ACT’s e-learning has come a long way. In the past, learners had to read through lengthy PDFs, but now the content is delivered in bite-sized lessons, with topics arranged in an easy-to-follow, linear path. What’s changed the most is the accessibility and interactivity — learning is now faster, more engaging, and can fit around any schedule or device.

How does ACT make sure the learner is getting the best possible experience from their e-learning course?

The core of our success has remained the same which is the support offered. Features come and go, improvements are made in interactive features and multimedia rich content, but the element that most learners want and indeed need, is to feel they are being supported in their learning journey.

 

ACT’s Ongoing Commitment to Excellence

From floppy disks to online platforms, ACT’s journey into remote learning spans decades and demonstrates our commitment to providing high quality accessible training. Flexibility and innovation have always been at the core of our development process, and we’re proud to continue leading the way to engaging and industry-endorsed education.

Don’t just take our word for it – read our collection of e-learning and blended learning case studies at the links below:

• Lynda Sime – NEBOSH National Diploma Blended Learning
• Emma Ludlow – NEBOSH General Certificate E-learning
• Nicola Robinson – IOSH Managing Safely E-learning
• Brainkind – IOSH Managing Safely Blended Learning