Revamped e-learning courses aim to save pubs 'significant costs'

The first set of courses to be launched are compliance courses in fire awareness, food safety and health & safety, which have been available since 18 January.

Revamped

Curriculum content has been refreshed and the style of delivery has been revamped. CPL said the courses are now more accessible, with mobile optimisation, while also being more mentally stimulating and engaging.

CPL Online managing director David Dasher said: "This is the next stage in our business development that further reinforces CPL Online's position as the leading e-learning provider to the hospitality sector in the UK.

"The software developments we have incorporated in these 'next generation' CPL Online courses outstrips others available in the market. 

"Through our big data platform, we can provide clients with data analysis functions never seen before in hospitality training. The courses are all built for mobile, the fastest growing form of e-learning, and are available via the CPL app, meaning learning is truly possible 'on-the-go'."

HPCC Systems – from Lexis Nexis Risk Solutions, one of the world’s biggest data analytics companies – powers the CPL platform.

The system has been revolutionary for CPL and enabled the introduction of unique course features.

Different approach

"When we set our team the task of creating a brand new e-learning concept, we challenged them to not just develop from a user experience perspective but to take a problem-solving approach. The features we have included in our new 'next generation' courses are a testament to not only their technical abilities but their understanding of our clients' needs," Dasher continued.

"Take, for instance, our language translation feature; this was developed after a member of the team pointed out the large proportion of migrant workers, in the UK hospitality industry, who consider English as their second language.

"This workforce will find the language translation facility hugely useful, and their employees will be confident that their staff are informed and qualified."

Course redeveloped

The full catalogue of CPL Online's e-learning courses will be redeveloped into 'next generation' courses in the upcoming months.

Developments include:

• Language Translation Support​ – the console info button houses an English summary for every page. Non-English individual users, and companies with non-English speaking staff, can request to view these summaries in their preferred language.
• Pre-course Assessment​ – an entry questionnaire has been added on compliance renewal courses to take into account existing knowledge and experience. Learners therefore only need to complete sections which need to be refreshed.
• Suspicious Activity & Malpractice​ – systems identify suspicious activity by monitoring and comparing the millions of rows of big data stored on learner usage, like course completion times. 
• Gamification Technology​ – new 'check your knowledge' sections use gaming technology to reinforce the key learning objectives throughout each module by giving the learner the chance to gain rewards and take part in optional leader boards.
• Tracking ​– a user's mouse and click movements are followed in order to track feedback, trends and the intuitiveness of the courses.
• Voiceover Options​ – high-quality voiceover is now adjustable, with options to pause and replay as needed.
• 3D Videos​ – 3D animation adds a touch of excitement without distracting from the course's purpose.
• Links to App​ – 'next generation' courses are available via CPL Online's app.
• Compatibility​ – the courses have been designed for use on any platform but have been optimised for mobile access.