U.S. Department of Agriculture eGovernment Program AgLearn Overview Phase 1 March 2004

U.S. Department of Agriculture eGovernment Program 2 I. eLearning Initiative Overview II. What is an LMS? III. LMS Benefits and Features IV. Integration Approach V. Learning Management VI. Future Phases VII. Next Steps Agenda

U.S. Department of Agriculture eGovernment Program 3 Enterprise-Wide eLearning Benefits An Enterprise-wide eLearning capability will provide financial benefits while at the same time improve the training opportunities available at USDA.  Strategic Benefits -Enhance the skill development of USDA employees by providing access to a wide array of training not previously available; and -Coordinate management, and promote interagency collaboration, of Federal eLearning services. -Utilize common soft skill content from Presidential eTraining initiative.  Financial Benefits -Eliminate redundancies among training offered within the enterprise; -Allow for economies of scale in the enterprise-wide purchase of eLearning products and services; and -Reduce travel expenses, training delivery costs, and training administration costs.  Operational Benefits -Transform the learning experience to include more online courses, in lieu of costly traditional training methods; -Link competency requirements and individual development plans; -Provide access to content from other government agencies; -Agency trainers will be able to devote their time to what they do best--training--rather than administration of IT systems; and -USDA LMS will become the official System of Record to store all training histories and training content.

U.S. Department of Agriculture eGovernment Program 4 Enterprise-Wide eLearning Solution An Enterprise-wide solution will also provide many intangible benefits…  Intangible Benefits -Improving training effectiveness, resulting in a better-educated and more knowledgeable workforce characterized by improved judgment and decision-making -Enabling a single, web-based access point for class registration and the training catalog eases administration processes associated with training provided by outside partner institutions -Allowing employees access to training content, class registration, and course catalogs from any location at any time using a web browser -Automating administrative tasks, which allows administrators to focus on value added functions like course preparation, course review, and performance review

U.S. Department of Agriculture eGovernment Program 5 Reduction of Duplicative Services and Systems  TRAI (Training Information System) - USDA training system maintained by NFC containing USDA employee training histories.  TIPS (Training Integrated Personnel System) -A training system used by Forest Service to manage the registration, approval process, and costs associated with training.  VTA (Virtual Training Assistant) -Training system used by Food Safety and Inspection Service and Forest Service to manage registration of classroom and other types of training.  RMA Distance Learning - A training creation and delivery system used by RMA. To realize economies of scale and reductions in cost requires a consolidation of existing USDA training systems.

U.S. Department of Agriculture eGovernment Program 6 Migration & Integration of Training Systems  I-CAMS Training Delivery and Management -A component of the I-CAMS personnel system used Service Center agencies to track and manage instructor-led training.  APHIS Agency Readiness Center -A system developed for the APHIS Veterinary Services to train and deploy First Responders.  RMA Distance Learning - A training creation and delivery system used by RMA. For some USDA training systems providing unique services and capabilities, they will operate cooperatively with the USDA LMS.

U.S. Department of Agriculture eGovernment Program 7 AgLearn - Phase 1  10 USDA Agencies with 7,500 users  Configuration of enterprise-based LMS settings including domains, organizations, student management, and security roles  Integration of “off-the-shelf” and custom USDA e-learning courseware  Migration of existing student data from the GoLearn (student data and training history)  USDA Customized User Interface branding  Operations Services and Tier 1 Help Desk Support  System Environment Maintenance and Hosting, including Courseware hosting  Configuration of online exams  One-way batch interface from I-CAMS (PeopleSoft 8.0) for student profile and training history  Migration of training history from GoLearn, I-CAMS, and TRAI Phase 1 of the LMS implementation will include the following:

U.S. Department of Agriculture eGovernment Program 8 I. eLearning Initiative Overview II. What is an LMS? III. LMS Benefits and Features IV. Integration Approach V. Learning Management VI. Future Phases VII. Next Steps Agenda

U.S. Department of Agriculture eGovernment Program 9 What is an LMS? A Learning Management System (LMS) is a software application that enables the delivery and management of all facets of training.  An LMS allows individuals and groups of users to: -Manage classrooms, learning assets, instructors, schedules, learning paths, and all of the necessary components to deliver training -View complete course listings and course information -Register, schedule, and track all training activity -Create, edit, manage and deliver content -Track competency and certification progress -Personalize training and development plans -Manage payments

U.S. Department of Agriculture eGovernment Program 10 How will an LMS be used by USDA? The AgLearn LMS will provide for the management and delivery of USDA’s training and career development, and other capabilities. AgLearn Traditional Classroom Virtual Classroom Online Training Course Catalog Phase 1: Management and Delivery of TrainingOther Functions  Phase 1: - Career Development Plans - Reporting  Future Phases: - Competencies - Skill Assessments - Certification Programs

U.S. Department of Agriculture eGovernment Program 11 I. eLearning Initiative Overview II. What is an LMS? III. LMS Benefits and Features IV. Integration Approach V. Learning Management VI. Future Phases VII. Next Steps Agenda

U.S. Department of Agriculture eGovernment Program 12 AgLearn Users  USDA employees, including: -Agency Personnel -First Responders (USDA Homeland Security) -Domestic and Foreign Nationals  Others working with USDA programs, such as: -Federal -State and Local such as Wild Land Fire Fighters  USDA Contractors and Partners, such as: -Farmers -Rural Housing Loan Officers -Others Users of AgLearn will include not only USDA employees, but also others who work closely with USDA.

U.S. Department of Agriculture eGovernment Program 13 User Features  Search available training courses by title, subject area, or agency catalog  Register for courses – online, instructor-led, virtual, and other  Launch and Track Course – Record Scores  Access Reference Materials and Training -Systems Training and Support (ICAMS, IAS) -Desktop Application Support (Microsoft Office) -Business Skills (Supervisory Materials, Leadership, Project Management)  Manage Certification Requirements -Contracting Officer’s Technical Representative (COTR) Training  Build Skills According to Competencies -Identify skill requirements for next job level, series, or position Series in progress; Others being planned  Fulfill Mandatory Training Requirements -IT Security, Civil Rights, Ethics -Deliver and record completion The new AgLearn LMS provides USDA employees and others with the ability to:

U.S. Department of Agriculture eGovernment Program 14 USDA Supervisor/Manager Features  Assign specific training to employees through AgLearn  Receive and Approve employee requests for USDA training  Track employee training activity  Receive Training Reports In addition to regular user features, USDA supervisors and managers will also be able to oversee the training activities of their employees, by the following:

U.S. Department of Agriculture eGovernment Program 15 Training Staff Features  Centrally manage and track learning for entire assigned organization, group, or individual  Ability to leverage training across and within USDA agencies  Access reports containing agency training activity  Deliver online training materials, surveys, and exams  Schedule and manage instructor-led classes, online training, and virtual meetings  Manage facilities, assets, and courses (e.g., instructor, classroom, equipment)  Create certification and specialized training programs such as new employee orientation, COTR training, and others Training Staff will be able to manage training more efficiently by using AgLearn to:

U.S. Department of Agriculture eGovernment Program 16 I. eLearning Initiative Overview II. What is an LMS? III. LMS Benefits and Features IV. Integration Approach V. Learning Management VI. Future Phases VII. Next Steps Agenda

U.S. Department of Agriculture eGovernment Program 17 eLearning Migration & Integration Strategy   Isolated Systems and Agency Coordination Enterprise eLearning Solution and Integration Current EnvironmentFuture USDA LMS Presidential Initiative: Improve education and training services through e-Training USDA Initiative: build enterprise-wide capabilities for managing training  Duplication of Activities and Services  Limited System and Business Capabilities  Lack of Enterprise-wide Coordination  Manual, non-Standardized Processes  Cost Prohibitive Manual Process I-CAMS VTATIPSHRFinance Agency Training Systems  Citizens Employees Business Partners  Departmental Finance / Procurement HR AgLearn LMS Traditional Classroom Collaboration Online Courseware Content Management Skills Assessment Training Admin TRAI APHIS & RMA LMS Other Data bases Procurement (IAS)

U.S. Department of Agriculture eGovernment Program 18 Integrated Approach and Platform  Centralized Hosting of Learning Solutions -GoLearn hosting facility at GP-eLearning (GPE) will include the following components:  Learning Management System – AgLearn -Delivery and management of training and career development  Learning Content and Courseware -GoLearn COTS Courseware (e.g., NETg, SkillSoft, Karta) -Custom Courseware, CBT, WBT -Reference Materials, Job Aides, Procedures  Web Meeting Services -Internally hosted within USDA The eLearning solution is built upon an integrated approach and platform for delivering new capabilities to USDA.

U.S. Department of Agriculture eGovernment Program 19 Data Migration and Management AgLearn hosted by GP-eLearning (GPE) USDA Courseware COTS Courseware Student Profile Data COTS Courseware Student Profile Data Training History Student Profile Data USDA Courseware Starting from existing LMS’s and other USDA training systems, the new LMS will be a single repository for all USDA training activity. All USDA employees will have access to the AgLearn system by end of FY2004. GoLearn LMS (GeoLearning) Other Internal USDA Training Systems

U.S. Department of Agriculture eGovernment Program 20 Transition of Sensitive Data GoLearn Service Provider: Geo Learning Current Employee Data Management Scheme Future Employee Data Management Scheme Hosts COTS Courseware and Employee Data in Canada COTS Courseware Employee Data COTS courseware available through GoLearn.Gov is hosted by Geo Learning. Employee access and utilization uses the Geo Learning LMS services. GoLearn Service Provider: GPE Learning Hosts USDA-specific Courseware and Employee Data in Pennsylvania USDA Courseware Employee Data COTS courseware and USDA-developed courseware is hosted by GPE Learning in Pennsylvania USDA employee data is hosted by GPE-Learning COTS Courseware

U.S. Department of Agriculture eGovernment Program 21 I. eLearning Initiative Overview II. What is an LMS? III. LMS Benefits and Features IV. Integration Approach V. Learning Management VI. Future Phases VII. Next Steps Agenda

U.S. Department of Agriculture eGovernment Program 22 Approach to Learning Management  Role Based System -Student, Manager, Administrator -Roles define learning management functionality, system authority, and available views The AgLearn system is a role based system which provides for a secure environment to manage user permissions efficiently. Administrator Manager Student Manager

U.S. Department of Agriculture eGovernment Program 23 Learning Management – Tailored Delivery The enterprise LMS is customized to fit each agency’s training requirements. Through a student login, courseware can be assigned to specific groups (ie. Agencies) or made available to the “public” for all to view. Agency 1 AgLearn Public Catalog Student    Agency 2 Catalog Student    Catalog

U.S. Department of Agriculture eGovernment Program 24 Learning Management - Domains The AgLearn system maps to USDA’s organization in a hierarchical structure using Domains. Following is a part of the Domain structure to be used in AgLearn. USDA OHRMFNCSREEFFASFSISRD Public Level Mission Area Agency Locations and Other Sub-Domains OCFO MRPNREE Agency Sub- Domain To be determined by each agency

U.S. Department of Agriculture eGovernment Program 25 I. eLearning Initiative Overview II. What is an LMS? III. LMS Benefits and Features IV. Integration Approach V. Learning Management VI. Future Phases VII. Next Steps Agenda

U.S. Department of Agriculture eGovernment Program 26 Future Phases  Phased rollout to all USDA employees and agencies (FY2004)  Competency and Skills Assessment  Financial and Procurement System Integration (IAS)  Multi-level supervisor approval process for training requests  SF-182 Training Approval Process  Entry of non-component items on development plan  Agency specific customizations Following Phase 1 will be additional system rollouts to the remainder of USDA and other system enhancements as determined by agencies. Next Phases will include:

U.S. Department of Agriculture eGovernment Program 27 I. eLearning Initiative Overview II. What is an LMS? III. LMS Benefits and Features IV. Integration Approach V. Learning Management VI. Future Phases VII. Next Steps Agenda

U.S. Department of Agriculture eGovernment Program 28 Next Steps  Phase 1 Launch of AgLearn -FY04 – Q2 -10 Agencies with 7,500 users  Phase 2 -FY04 – Q3 -Integration with eAuthentication solution -Add additional estimated 60,000 users from -APHIS -FS -FSA -FSIS -RMA  Phase 3 -FY04 – Q4 -Remaining USDA Employees