This is a short update to keep ELAG members informed about where with are with E-Learning developments at the start of 2017.
No Waiting Self-Enrollment on the Foundation Course
A no waiting approach to starting the SNOMED CT Foundation course was introduced on 1st November 2016. This means that those wanting to take this course can now sign-up for an E-Learning account, self-enroll on the course and get started. In the two months since this was introduced 125 people have self-enrolled on the course.
Application Backlogs Cleared for Implementation and Content Courses
All eligible applicants for the Implementation and Content Development Theory courses whose applications were received before 15th December were offered places on the January 2017 intakes. Applicants who were not eligible (i.e. they had not yet successfully completed the Foundation course or they were already taking an advanced course) will be offered places on the next intake after they complete their current course.
This is the first time we have been able to clear the application backlog for either of these courses and this has only been possible as a result of increases to course capacity. We expect to be able to accommodate all those applying by mid-April 2017 on the May intake unless there is a significant upturn in demand as new Members join SNOMED International. Looking to future, we hope it will be possible to continue offering all eligible applicants a place on the next intake after receipt of their application.
Upgrades to the E-Learning Server
Early in 2017 we need to apply apply a major upgrade the version of the Moodle software used on the E-Learning Server. The end result of this upgrade should be a significant improvement in the E-Learning service. However, we are aware of some potential issues with the upgrade and these may require us to adapt our approach to use of some Moodle components.
Moving to Open Access with Alternative Learning Pathways
As ELAG members are aware we are planning to introduce open-access and alternative learning pathways in the first quarter of 2017. We had hoped to introduce open-access during January but requirements to upgrade to the E-Learning Server (see above) are likely to delay this. Although we have identified a preferred approach to open access we need to confirm that this will work with the upgraded version of the underlying Moodle software.