Resources for Trainers: Introduction
The Microbicides Essentials course is a comprehensive training and reference resource for microbicides advocates and others around the world working to promote microbicide research and development.
The course has a simple, modular design, including modules focused on providing basic information about what microbicides are, the status of the microbicides field, and the science behind how microbicides work, as well as practical examples of how to answer questions from community members, members of the press, and others about these topics.
This online course (as well as the CD-ROM version of this course) can be used in a number of ways to deliver independent training or to support traditional training interventions. For example, suggested uses include the following:
Self-instruction. Where individuals have access to a computer connected to the internet or a computer capable of running the course on CD-ROM, individual learners may use the course independently for self-study, performance support, reference, or orientation to key topics. Individuals in the US may also be able to receive continuing-education credit for completing the course.
Blended learning. Blended learning refers to teaching and training efforts that include both online and traditional classroom elements. If participants have access to the online course or CD-ROM in advance of a workshop or other centralised training effort, trainees may complete the course in advance of the training effort to orient themselves to key concepts and didactic content, allowing the trainer more time during on-site training to focus on activities related to skills practice, such as role play and performance support.
Technology-enhanced training. If access to a computer center or a trainer-supplied laptop is available during a workshop or other centralised training effort, individuals or groups of learners may use the program to complete key course content during conference breaks or while the trainer is conducting skills training with individuals or other groups of participants.
Traditional training support. Where trainers have access to a projector or other means of displaying content, the videos, animations, graphics, and other content in the course may be used to help explain concepts or as the basis for training activities during classroom instruction.
Ongoing resource and performance support tool. Because the course is available free of charge online, both independent learners and learners who participate in traditional training efforts may use course resources and content for reference and support for their own training and advocacy efforts
To learn more about training resources and approaches, explore these links:
Blended Learning
Training Resources
Ongoing Performance Support
