Portfolio Updates

VOLVO DEALERSHIPS PUT NEW E-LEARNING SYSTEM INTO GEAR

9 September 2005

UK Volvo dealerships have adopted an e-learning system to train staff using 3D computer games designed and provided by Caspian Learning Limited

The 'Knowledge-Drive' initiative uses games-based training applications developed by Caspian Learning.

The Volvo dealer network is using the system to train its employees in areas ranging from legal and regulatory issues through to sales training and Volvo brand initiatives.

The applications have already been rolled out to 100 of the company's 150 UK dealerships, with the rest due to install them in October.

Neil Gordon, Sales Executive at Kings Volvo in the Isle of Wight, which has been using the training system for about six months, says all the 'games' are based in a 3D virtual car showroom.

"In the sales training application, for example, you walk round and interact with people to find out about difference car models, finance options and so on", he said. "To score, you bump into floating question marks, which ask you something pertinent and offer multiple choice answers".

Gordon says the system has proved far simpler and less time consuming than previous offsite training.

"In the past, our guys would have to drive three hours to Daventry and back for training sessions, often involving an overnight stay. Now people can sit down with this system for twenty minutes for a refresher, continue where they left off last time, or concentrate on areas where they are weak", he said.

Gordon says the system is far more cost-effective than conventional training.

Caspian Learning says its games-based approach to training applications is based on research suggesting immersive play is a highly effective way to learn and the Volvo team are already responding very positively to this training approach.

As well as rolling out the system to the remaining 40 dealerships, the next phase of the project will see the development of further training games and updates.

Source: Computing magazine - September 2005