It’s been another busy year for The Selwyn Institute, which co-ordinates for The Selwyn Foundation internal and external knowledge-sharing activities and the provision of education and learning events across a range of platforms and learning options. In 2020, these have included our online SelwynLearn learning modules, the Ageing & Spirituality webinar series and the ‘Information about Ageing’ section on the Foundation’s website.
Engaging training and development opportunities through SelwynLearn
Since late 2018, The Selwyn Institute has been developing online learning modules within SelwynLearn which the Foundation’s care staff complete in their paid work time. SelwynLearn is a cutting-edge, online learning platform designed to deliver engaging training and development opportunities for staff across The Selwyn Foundation. To date, it has focused on delivery of the mandatory training requirements for our care staff, but it can do so much more than this!
SelwynLearn enables the evolution and growth of Selwyn as a learning organisation. It supports and nurtures growth and development of staff as individuals and professionals, providing opportunities to promote excellence in all they do by reinforcing the values of our organisation and showing how The Selwyn Way can be applied in all aspects of our professional lives.
It’s akin to a ‘library’ of online learning topics which are called ‘modules’. The centrepiece of each module is an online video, which utilises videography, character animation and graphic design. Alongside each video are interactive questions and answers about the topic presented in the video, and a discussion sheet for further learning in the workplace. Designed to meet the varying styles of adult learners, each module creates relevant, accessible and engaging learning opportunities for all staff.
Throughout 2020, 17 new learning modules have ‘gone live’, all focussed on supporting the professional development of staff. Some topics have been specific to support Selwyn’s COVID-19 pandemic response, such as handwashing, correct use of personal protective equipment, and wellbeing and stress management. Other topics have looked at nutrition and hydration, and palliative care.
The SelwynLearn product is created by an experienced nurse educator and a producer with animation expertise. To create great learning content, the team collaborates with internal and external subject matter experts from academia as well as from across The Selwyn Foundation. These contributors generously share their expert knowledge and skills, ensuring that the SelwynLearn learning modules are always up-to-date and relevant to our staff roles and their daily tasks and responsibilities.
We’re proud of the positive results that have been achieved from delivering learning in this innovative and supported way. In 2021, SelwynLearn developments will include completing the set of mandatory learning for care staff, other important professional development topics for care staff, and commencement of key learning modules for our non-clinical teams. The goal for all these developments is that the learning is relevant to the work required of the individual completing the learning module, enabling all staff to experience the benefits of being part of a learning organisation, and ensuring that the learning is framed within the principles and ethos of The Selwyn Way.
