...Online learning to accelerate best practice alongside traditional lectures...

Thursday 26th August 2010 - ILX Group plc, the global software company delivering innovative Best Practice training solutions, today announced that its world class e-learning APM* Introductory Certificate in Project Management modules have now been integrated in selected undergraduate and post graduate courses at the Canterbury Christ Church University.  The programme which started in July 2009 facilitated some 200 full time business degree students to access the ILX’s web hosted APM training modules.  Early results have been positive and there now are plans to widen the scope of online learning to include students that are undertaking part time courses whilst working.

Canterbury Christ Church University is the largest centre of higher education in Kent for the major public services.  It has approximately 16,700 students based in five Faculties: Arts and Humanities, Business and Management, Education, Health and Social Care, Social and Applied Sciences.

Bob Fielden, Senior Lecturer, Facility of Business & Management at Canterbury Christ Church University explained, “We wanted to accelerate the learning process amongst our students undertaking project management modules.  The ILX APM Introductory Certificate covered all the key elements of best practice project management and the pros and cons of managing complex work flows.  Early results have indicated that the students have benefited from a flexible knowledge based learning approach which underpins lectures and seminars. The ILX hosted portal gives students the flexibility to work at their own pace and in their own time.  The process also helps ensure that all the students cover all the core knowledge within the APM Body of Knowledge and quickly brings everyone to the same level of understanding.”

Once the students have taken the e-learning courses they are examined onsite at the University as part of the overall undergraduate or post graduate qualification.  The students then have the option to independently enter the professional exam at fee of around £125 - £150 pounds sterling.

Fielden continues, “Linking the theoretical side to internationally recognised professional qualification is a real bonus for students. It’s a great way of helping our students understand why projects work or fail and this knowledge is transferable immediately to the work place.”

Eddie Kilkelly, Chief Operating Officer at the ILX Group, commented, “We are delighted to be working with Canterbury Christ Church University and to see positive results already coming through.  Today’s announcement confirms that there is a continuing trend of educational institutions integrating core elements of professional recognised training programmes within their syllabus.  ILX is already working with Birkbeck, University of London, and The University of the West of England, Bristol** in delivering work class courses to their students. The ILX Group’s Introductory Certificate in Project Management is a great example of providing students with practical skills which can be applied in the work environment.”