To train staff in the use of office applications, PACIFICA has adopted ENI's MEDIAplus eLearning system, the only e-learning solution where learners work in the software's own environment. PACIFICA has opted to delegate training administration and learner support to ENI, who take care of everything: administrative formalities, tutoring, technical assistance, reports and analysis of results. It is an approach which is proving to be successful...
PACIFICA, the Credit Agricole's property and casualty insurance subsidiary, specialises in the claims of Credit Agricole and LCL customers. The company operates from 16 sites across France and employs 1240 people, with this number expected to double by 2015.
To deal with the large increase in the number of staff, PACIFICA made the decision to innovate in terms of training. Initially, pilot projects were run using different new training methods: tutored e-learning, serious games, virtual classrooms, knowledge assessment... The results of these experiments enabled PACIFICA to judge whether or not to go further with the implementation of these methods.
"The aim is to convince our staff, as well as our decision makers, that alternatives to the traditional classroom set-up exist, and that they can be less time-consuming and meet the needs of individuals better," explains Bettina Rosconval, Head of Training and HR Development at PACIFICA.
For training in office applications, PACIFICA chose ENI"s MEDIAplus eLearning solution, opting for distance tutoring, personal support and supervision of each learner. "We were particularly impressed by an advantage unique to MEDIAplus eLearning, the fact that training takes place in the actual software environment," says Mme Rosconval. "What is more, IFCAM (the Credit Agricole's training division) already uses MEDIAplus eLearning and recommended it to us warmly," she adds.
In the scheme defined by PACIFICA, learner supervision and support is undertaken by the ENI coaching team. Learners choose to train either from their own desktop computer, or in a room set aside for the purpose. The ENI coaches introduce each learner to MEDIAplus eLearning and explain how to get the best from it. They then accompany the learner, monitoring his/her progress and assiduity and sending appropriate messages by e-mail. The coaching team sends reports (time spent training, progress, % correct answers, analysis of results...) back to the manager responsible for training, so that she remains up to date with the progress made by each learner. Whenever necessary, ENI also deal with administrative formalities (protocols, training conventions...). "ENI's tutoring option is a real plus point. They take care of everything and we value that comfort. It leaves us free to concentrate on our core activity," remarks Bettina Rosconval.
After several months of use, the learners are very satisfied with their e-learning experience. They appreciate the flexibility of MEDIAplus eLearning and the accessibility of the ENI coaching team. "The learners welcome the freedom which this approach allows them, unlike classroom-based training," explains PACIFICA's head of training. "They can learn at their own pace, and come back to a topic as many times as they want to. And they can apply what they learn immediately. They are the main force behind their own training," she adds.
The success of an e-learning scheme depends to a great extent on the ability of the manager in charge of training to identify the learners' needs accurately. 'Right at the start of a project, it is vital to give the learners reliable guidance as to the choice of training method (e-learning/classroom), the application in which training would be most beneficial, the goals of the training programme etc..." observes Mme Rosconval.
Given the results obtained so far, the current scheme will remain in place for the foreseeable future. "Our experience of e-learning with ENI is conclusive. We recognise the quality of the training provided by MEDIAplus eLearning, and appreciate the efficiency and dedication of the coaching team," she concludes.