ECO 2007 Online Training Strategies August 26, 2007 Baltimore, MD Ted Burke, Director Illinois Early Intervention Training Program 7550 W. 183rd Street Tinley Park, IL

Evolution of Child Outcomes Training in Illinois February 2006-Present – Integrated online Service Coordination Training module required April 2006 – Mandatory face-to-face Child Outcomes training for SCs April 2006 – Present – Mandatory integrated face-to-face Child Outcomes training for new providers required April 2006-Present – Introductory online Child Outcomes training module for existing providers optional May Present – Intermediate face-to-face Child Outcomes training for SCs/Providers optional October 2006-Animated vignettes developed June 2007-Video vignettes developed

Goals and Intent for On-Line Training Less staff time away from the job Consistency in delivery of information/message Reduced scheduling difficulties Online tracking and monitoring of participant progress Testing component to ensure understanding and competency Ongoing participant access to modules for use as reference Less cost annually than traditional face-to-face training

Cost Benefit

Module Features Audio Narration & Power Point viewing Simultaneous Script Captioning Downloadable Attachments Video Supplements Competency Based Quizzes Back at Office Functional Activities Video-Based Demonstrations access to presenter

Illinois Early Intervention Training Program Ongoing Role Provide Ongoing Supports and Resources for SC Staff Develop and maintain online modules Provide face-to-face Orientation Providing Supplement Manuals Provide access to videos in multiple formats List of activities for managers Monthly conference calls for participants with trainers Toll-free phone support for technical issues Send out 2 Month Follow-up Survey to participants Offer training in alternate formats as needed

Service Coordination Entity Responsibilities Register newly hired Service Coordinators Provide time and support for participants to complete modules Provide computer equipment needed Follow up on activities required to be completed by participants Provide feedback to training program related to process

Service Coordinator Participant Responsibilities Schedule time to complete modules Reference support materials provided Complete required activities at the end of modules Participate in facilitated calls as needed Provide feedback to supervisor and the training program related to process Complete 2 Month Follow-up Survey provided by the EI Training Program

Success From February 2006 through June new service coordinators have completed the 23 module online curriculum and received their credentials as Illinois service coordinators. The average score for completing the competency testing portion after completing the modules was 88.7%.

Participant Reported Drawbacks/Challenges Faced Less interaction with other participants No one to answer questions right when they come up Older computers = slow download time Quizzes sometimes froze Video feed inconsistent with older computers Results compiled from 2 month follow-up survey

Participant Reported Benefits Convenient Didn’t take away from work time Flexibility Self-paced Reduced time traveling Ability to replay information Access anytime Video examples Great as reference to go back to Results compiled from 2 month follow-up surveys

Time Needed to Complete 23 Module Online Service Coordination Training

89% of service coordinators felt the content of the online modules adequately prepared them for their role as a service coordinator

83% of service coordinators felt the online modules helped them better serve families in the early intervention system

77% of service coordinators felt the activities at the end of each module were helpful.

47% of service coordinators reported that supervisors required them to follow through on activities.

89% of service coordinators felt that the quizzes were at an appropriate level of difficulty.

17% of service coordinators have used on-line modules as a reference in their day-to-day work.

Focus for the Future Integrate online Child Outcomes module to be required for all new providers Blended training options using on-line modules, video, face-to-face and mentoring opportunities