Over a two-year period, the JIBC systems training team conducted a deep analysis and evaluation of a provincially certified trainer model used by BC Corrections to provide CORNET and JUSTIN training to correctional officers and probation officers across BC. Through the evaluation and assessment process, the team identified opportunities to improve the training model, including how training materials are distributed, reducing administrative burdens for instructors and support staff, reducing errors in the course curriculum, and improving communication and support with certified trainers.
In collaboration with CTLI, our JIBC systems team created a customized Blackboard instructor campus. We built the instructor campus over an 8-month period, including a pilot and rounds of feedback and implementation.
This is an example of JIBC taking a leading role in identifying opportunities for growth and improvement in training models: systematically assessing and evaluating the model, communicating the problem to our core client, and developing (in collaboration with the CTLI) a significantly more modern and user-friendly platform.
WHAT WERE THE MAIN GOALS OF THIS PROJECT?
The primary goal of the project was to create a new platform to host, distribute, and communicate CORNET/JUSTIN training materials to certified systems trainers across the province.
HOW DOES THIS DEMONSTRATE INNOVATION?
Rather than continuing a 20-year-old legacy approach of hosting and communicating updates to trainers (mailing physical binders, mailing USB drives, sending emails with various attachments, or storing training documents on difficult-to-navigate drives), the JIBC systems team developed a ground-up approach to how we can support our instructors in delivering the correct content and reduce administrative burdens on the certified trainers.
Through collaboration with CTLI, we explored multiple options, with Blackboard Ultra offering the solution that best addressed the project’s goals. We then consulted other areas at the JIBC (Sheriff training, for example) that had utilized a Blackboard Ultra Instructor Campus and discussed their experiences.
Innovation in this project is more than the underlying technology; it is the collaboration within the JIBC (CTLI, Sheriff, etc.) that contributed to the creation of this platform.
WHAT WERE THE PROBLEMS OR CHALLENGES YOU FACED WORKING ON THIS PROJECT?
This project spanned two years and it required substantial consultation with BC Corrections, the Corrections and Court Services Division, and CTLI. The greatest challenge was maintaining momentum throughout the project and reinforcing to both the division and BC Corrections that the time and energy required were a valuable investment.
LESSONS LEARNED
Conduct thorough assessments and evaluations to clearly understand the problem before working towards a solution.
Create clear proposals and reports that identify the processes used to evaluate and assess, the identified problem, and the proposed solution. This helps all parties understand why you are doing what you are doing, provide more valuable feedback, and support the work you are doing to address the identified problems.
Collaborate across the JIBC. We are extremely fortunate to have so many different schools/divisions/organizations “under one roof,” and it creates amazing opportunities to connect and share valuable experiences and learning.
TECHNOLOGY USED
Blackboard Ultra, Articulate Rise
PROJECT LINK
N/A
