Liberty Group relies on Iocore`s e-learning solution to train agents

In a bid to provide geographically dispersed agents with content-rich product training material, Liberty Group Limited has implemented Iocore`s e-learning solution, TopClass, which is supplied by content management software company, WBT Systems.

Liberty is a group of financial services companies that develops, markets and manages a comprehensive range of investment and risk products for personal and corporate investment, life assurance, retirement, disability and health assurance needs.

Linda van der Loo, Head: Technical Training, Sales Development and Accreditation at Liberty, says that in today`s competitive marketplace, the organisation required a technical infrastructure to deliver product information quickly and efficiently to users and trainers.

"Iocore`s e-learning division introduced Liberty to WBT Systems` content management solution, and accompanied a Liberty delegation to Germany to view an operational e-learning site using TopClass."

Van der Loo says the power of TopClass lies in its unique Learning Object architecture, which has provided the infrastructure for Liberty`s e-learning system and has enabled the organisation to create and manage a comprehensive web-based course content.

Since the implementation of TopClass, the way of training in Liberty has dramatically changed, she adds.

"Classroom training is now limited to specialised workshops where agents who have already mastered basic product information online via the TopClass system, can gain a higher level of knowledge and focus on core issues in terms of product value and taking the product to market.

"Agents can therefore start using their new knowledge sooner - when the agent comes out of the classroom he or she can start selling Liberty`s products immediately."

Van der Loo says that as workshops are now of a facilitative nature rather teacher/learner-based, the problem of too few trainers for agents that operate over a large geographical area, is eliminated.

TopClass also allows Liberty to take its training content offline, enabling new agents to master learning material in their own time, at their own place and at their own pace.

"And since agents do not have to dial up to access the training package and are not tied up in a traditional classroom environment, they can continue to sell Liberty`s products while learning, as they can learn at time most convenient to them."

Agents also gain more knowledge and understanding of Liberty`s product offering over a shorter period of time, and are also able to use the training package as a support tool on an ongoing basis, says Van der Loo.

"Users do not have to be in a traditional classroom to obtain specific information. Once a module has been made available on computer via TopClass, agents can refer to it again and again, and train up on any selected section."

Van der Loo says average results on exams, which agents write offline after each training module, have increased by between 12% and 15%.

TopClass has also enabled Liberty to service the broker market very efficiently, says Van der Loo.

"In terms of policyholder protection regulations, all organisations and individuals that market and sell insurance have to be accredited. Liberty manages the whole process - training, testing and accreditation of brokers - online."

Van der Loo says Liberty has been very satisfied with Iocore`s service.

"Iocore`s e-learning division not only implemented the TopClass solution and trained Liberty`s users, but also provided excellent support and consulting services on innovative ways in which to use the product."