A transition into the digital space has brought tangible rewards for Surf Life Saving NSW’s (SLSNSW) Training Officer Certificate Course, with more participants than ever working all the way through to completion.
It was always the plan to transition to the broad platform of online, which is capable of reaching more people and increasing the consistency of course delivery across the state. In fact, the new online version of the course engages so much more thoroughly with those taking part that up to three times as many people are now completing the course – promoting a completion rate of 85%.
Reimagined through a platform called Canvas, the Training Officer Certificate Course has thrown out the book in a metaphorical and literal sense, doing away with the traditional means of encouraging participants to read from a textbook and come together to discuss it.
Now, regular touch points combined with proactive course material guided by dedicated instructors is proving hugely successful and addressing the need for more Trainers across NSW.
Ocean Beach SLSC’s Liam Drake – the current Youth Surf Lifesaver of the Year and a recent course participant – was glowing in his praise for its revamped delivery.
“I have studied online many times before; however, the Canvas platform was way easier and much more intuitive than others I have used making it a much more enjoyable learning experience,” he said.
“The Virtual Classroom and Induction sessions were great, we got to meet our dedicated Facilitator and those in our Branch and team, I felt supported whenever I had any questions and the information we as students requested was always provided.
“Being able to study at any time worked out really well for me balancing an already time consuming (work) load. This enabled me to complete the course at times that best suited.”
Indeed, the flexibility the course now offers is of great benefit in the fast-paced lives of our membership, allowing participants to complete assigned tasks in their own time.
Run on a quarterly basis, following the most recent course which ended in late November, 118 members have obtained the Training Officer Certificate through this process.
Another of those members is Rebecca Austin of Pacific Palms SLSC, who commended SLSNSW on the experience created through the course.
“I really enjoyed the flexibility of being able to fit the study in with busy work family balance,” she said.
“I have actually studied online before, but it wasn’t a great experience, coming into this course I was a bit hesitant, but the Facilitators were very supportive and Canvas was so easy to use and navigate.
“It made it a really positive learning experience and I finished the course with a new qualification I wouldn’t have received otherwise.
“Jo and the team were great, any questions I had were answered promptly and all of the information we needed as students was readily available, if given the option again I would definitely choose to study and learn via this system.”
The first Training Officer Certificate Course of the new year is scheduled to commence on 21 February.
Thursday 16 December 2021