E-learning as a solution to the capacity building during COVID-19 pandemics
About this good practice
Lack of capacity is one of the barriers to low EMAS implementation in Estonian public authorities. To increase the public officials’ knowledge and capacity of EMAS implementation, the Ministry of the Environment planned a training series at the beginning of 2020. However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, face-to-face training became possible. Nevertheless, the interest in training on environmental management systems remained. Therefore, the Ministry of the Environment carried out in cooperation with Stockholm Environment Institute Tallinn Centre a series of four different online EMAS training sessions between 2020 and 2021 during which many COVID-19 restrictions were imposed. Such e-learning allowed all people to participate even during the lock-down periods and under COVID-19 restrictions.
Even after the COVID restrictions e-learning has proven to be a good way to reach all people regardless of their location. Also, as online training sessions can easily be recorded, all interested parties can access and watch the training session after the training whenever is the most suitable for them.
Resources needed
To arrange the online meeting, certain equipment (microphone, speakers, camera, etc.) is required. If such equipment is not in place, resources for renting it are needed. Also, resources might be needed for external expertise on the training topic if such expertise is not available in-house.
Evidence of success
Web-based training format allowed to reach all the interested trainees. In total 20 participated in the online training series. The training was popular, and it is planned to carry out similar training for municipalities and other authorities.
Potential for learning or transfer
COVID-19 pandemics have lasted more than two years, during which there have been several waves of lock-down and/or restriction periods. Furthermore, such periods with restrictions can continue in the future. Therefore, online training that was first organised as a solution to the COVID-19 crisis, is now here to stay. Organising online training allows to build the capacity regardless of the situation of the pandemic but it also enables to reach a wider audience than with face-to-face training sessions.