Continued Learning for Government Employees


e-Newsletter

elearninge-Learning Project
Sitting in your cubicle at work, sometimes it can be all too easy to get stuck in a rut and not challenge yourself to learn something new. Thanks to ictQATAR and the Institute of Administration Development (IAD) government employees throughout Qatar now have the opportunity to learn new skills and advance their careers all without having to leave their desk.

In a collaborative project, ictQATAR and IAD developed the e-learning portal, a website that gives government employees access to 4,000 online courses that address both professional and personal development.

"The business world is changing rapidly. We are seeing new trends and new technologies emerging every day. Equipping oneself with the right knowledge and skills and updating these skills constantly is no longer an option, but a must," says Feda Barghouti, ictQATAR's Project Manager for e-Inclusion. "The e-learning portal enables employees to learn and develop skills anytime, anywhere."

The online courses offer users an interactive learning experience. It includes audio, video, demonstrations and simulations. Most courses can be completed in approximately 2-4 hours. There are course offerings in 29 distinct categories, including computer skills, marketing, leadership, management, team building, project management, self development, stress management and business development, among many others.

The portal is designed to promote the self-learning concept. The courses do not require high levels of computer knowledge, and are designed in ways users can identify with. There are also numerous support sections throughout the site that allows learners to ask questions and get assistance when needed. All that is needed for learning is a computer with an internet connection. Courses can be taken in English, Arabic or French so that language is not a barrier to learning.

ictQATAR is encouraging all of its staff to take advantage of this valuable resource, and is even requiring that employees in grades 4-9 take at least two courses during the year as part of their professional development. Upon successful completion of the course, employees will be able to view their assessment grades, with a certificate posted online once they complete courses. "The courses are definitely very useful for employees who are interested in developing new skill sets and increasing their knowledge." Mohammed Nayeemuddeen, Training Specialist, Human Resources adds, "Many staff members at ictQATAR are contacting me and are showing good interest in e-learning. The supervisors have been very supportive as well.", says Faleh Al-Naemi, Human Resources Director, ictQATAR.

An employee at ictQATAR who is part of the Regulatory team completed a couple of courses in Quality Management. According to him, the simulations and assessments for each section were very useful, especially the case studies that were presented. "It shed some light on the graphical and mathematical stuff I remember learning in business school," he said. "The audio aspect made me feel as if I was sitting in a real class."

Members of ictQATAR's Communication team are also currently engaging in a variety of courses: in design, cross-cultural communication, and career development. "The aspect I enjoyed the most about the courses is the simulations, since they enabled me to get to apply my knowledge on situations that are very similar to day-to-day interactions with others," says the Web Editor at the Communication team, "The real value of the online courses is not only their creativity, interactivity and ease of use, but also motivating the quest for learning inside employees. It made me view the concept of personal development in a new way."

- By: Shalini Ravi







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