The COMFOR-SA Virtual Learning Centre Becomes a Special Hub for Gaining New Modern Standards for the IT-ARMY E-Learning Programmes

The Education and Training Command and School of Applied Military Studies of Turin (COMFOR-SA) - Virtual Learning Centre (VLC) owing to a solid and round experience in e-learning, and because of being a support and distance learning developer and provider for university and military courses, has received the task of organizing an ambitious program and serving as special hub for all new contents and e-learning courses for IT-Army education and training programmes. The VLC continues the strong cooperation established with University of Turin (UniTO) in the specific field of elearning in direct support to courses. In addition, a new broad concept has recently been developed that aims at having a dedicated Portal for Self-Paced Courses combined with a Portal of Knowledge in a unique environment. In a Lifelong Learning perspective the potential target audience is composed of all categories, such as Officers, NCOs and Volunteers. Users can find, via internet or Intranet and by using all kind of devices, the right course and contents whenever and wherever required or needed. The model is specifically designed to offer a full spectrum and integrated e-learning service where all providers (teachers, instructors and Subject Matter Experts) are involved (crowdsourcing) with a Knowledge Management and Teaching procedure. It is also enriched by a User's E-portfolio where all progress can be stored and articles and paperwork can be uploaded. In this new concept a strategic role is played by teachers and support personnel and for this reason the first MOODLE Military Online Course (Mil-OC) for teachers was organized nationwide. They were trained in how to use different tools and plug-ins. More courses will be organized in the next future in order to increase the number of teachers involved in the program and to improve their e-learning knowledge and skills. This new comprehensive idea of providing E-learning is the pillar of all future projects and helps to reach another goal: developing digital skills among military personnel. The COMFOR-SA has invested a lot of effort and, thanks to the cooperation with the UniTO, is now ready to take the lead in Military E-Education.