Sheppard: 'Online teaching the future of training'

With its ongoing aim to lead health and fitness industry training with the latest trends in teaching methods, Smart Connection Training will this month be running its first online course for certificate III and IV in fitness.

From 25th October 2010, all students enrolled in Smart Connection Trainingâs fitness instructor/personal trainer combined certificate III and IV in fitness, will have the option of being taught half of the course face to face and the other half online.

The interactive online version of the course has been developed using the latest technology, which includes interactive screens, pictures, diagrams, discussion forums and sound bites to talk students through the slides.

The units of competency for each qualification will be integrated into the online environment in a fun and easy to understand structure, including voice grabs from industry experts and an on-line tutor which will guide the participant through the course.

Smart's Training Operations Manager, Briony Schofield explains that "by developing an online learning platform, students will be able to learn at their own pace and in their own space (and) they can return to a specific aspect and refresh their learning in an easy to use format whenever they need to."

All students taking the course will still get face to face learning with a Smart Connection Training tutor who will guide them through the technical learning needed for the qualifications, all of which will be supported through the interactive online training.

Smart Connection Training Managing Director Martin Sheppard (pictured) says training companies need to be innovative in order to reflect the lifestyle of today's students, stating "students need the flexibility around their shifts, other work and family commitments to be able to invest in their own growth.

"They want a learning environment that is built around their time constraints, they want the best tutors possible who have worked in the industry and ultimately they want the best chance to get a job at the end of the course."

Like all courses run by Smart Connection Training, eligible students enrolling on the fitness instructor/personal trainer combined certificate III and IV in fitness can access government funding, which can mean only paying 25% of the full course costs.

For further information on how Smart Connection Training is embracing online training, or to enquire about any course run by Smart Connection Training, contact Peter Evans on 03 8696 7500, www.smartconnection.com.au

9th September 2010 - SHEPPARD ANTAGONISES PARKS GROUP

1st April 2010 - SMART CONNECTION COMPANY LAUNCHES TRAINING ARM