At the heart of the Croix Rouge Compétence training center, distance learning and digital pedagogical practices are evolving to meet constantly changing challenges and needs. Whether it's optimizing pedagogical methods or simply increasing capacity, digital technology has become an indispensable ally in the field of education.
With a growing number of participants, totaling more than 600 registered in Saint-Étienne, the Croix Rouge Compétence center is facing a significant challenge: managing this increase in enrollment without compromising the quality of education. Digital technology is proving to be an urgent necessity to address these challenges.
However, it's crucial to strike the right balance between distance and in-person learning. In fact, in these human-centered programs, in-person interaction remains a priority.
Croix-Rouge Compétence, the training branch of the French Red Cross, manages 157 training institutes spread across 60 sites. It specializes in healthcare, social work, and health and safety at work.
We had the opportunity to speak with Margot Jay and Margot Peoc’h, both responsible for guiding and supporting the digital transformation of the Saint-Étienne establishment. They share their thoughts on the impact of digital technology in the education process.
Croix Rouge Compétence offers some short, non-degree courses entirely online. In Saint-Étienne, three-year courses prepare students for a nursing degree, while one-year courses prepare them for careers as nursing assistants or educational and social assistants. While the majority of courses are still conducted in-person, they increasingly incorporate various digital practices.
Since last year, the institution has faced space-related challenges in accommodating its students. To address this, one day per week is dedicated to remote teaching. During this day, students are asked to engage in various activities that are an integral part of their education.
For instance, a remote learning day might involve an hour of video conferencing, followed by a multiple-choice quiz, a 30-minute video to watch, and finally, an afternoon activity like an escape game. Some time slots are also dedicated to preparing for in-person classes.
The Learning Management System (LMS) Moodle was deployed in all Croix Rouge Compétence institutes during the summer of 2022. This LMS is used by 100% of French universities. As an open-source platform, it's customizable and free, but it does require human resources—both for deployment and for ongoing maintenance and widespread use.
Using Moodle, instructors can upload their digitized courses in various formats. For example, they can create a digital course divided into sessions. On the day of the activity, the session becomes accessible to students. Instructors can also obtain statistics on students' engagement and time spent on various activities. An LMS helps consolidate all the digital activities and practices of a course in one place.
Virtual classrooms correspond to video conference courses. Today, they are mainly used by external presenters who are unable to travel to the region. Virtual classes take place during the dedicated remote learning day, allowing students to participate from home.
In addition to virtual classes, students are required to complete digital activities. Instructors sometimes create activities like escape games or educational activities using virtual reality headsets. Tools like Genially are used to create interactive course materials. All slides are clickable, creating a dynamic and interactive learning experience. This approach transforms students into active participants in their own learning.
E-Learning videos have been used for over 10 years in the region. Videos created by the medical faculty are shared on a common platform. Physicians and experts are filmed explaining concepts. All nursing training institutes in the region are required to integrate these videos into their curricula. This approach offers a double advantage: it saves teachers' time and ensures equitable dissemination of knowledge among students from different institutes.
This year, Croix-Rouge Compétence acquired a Kast camera to enhance its digital content. In addition to regional videos, the institution can now create its own educational videos. The studio includes a Kast camera control unit, a green-painted wall, and a return screen. This allows instructors who wish to do so to easily film themselves and offer new resources.
After completing remote learning activities, they are reviewed in person. Online discussions and forums were abandoned due to moderation complexities and, more importantly, low student usage rates. Discussions and exchanges now take place in class, immediately after each activity.
Implementing an LMS and digital tools is not enough. Support in digital practices is a crucial aspect of their success. In order for digital technology to play a substantial role in education, instructors must become familiar with the available tools. To facilitate this, in-person training sessions are organized and open to willing educators.
A dedicated space for instructors has been created on Moodle. It includes usage tutorials and a wide range of templates for their use. This space simplifies content creation for instructors. As the saying goes, the simpler, the better it works.
More and more students are comfortable with new technologies and quickly grasp how to use tools. Others may struggle more. According to Margot Jay, it's interesting to note that the human aspect of education is also reflected in the mutual assistance that students provide to each other. If some students are unsure about using a computer, there will always be someone to help them.
According to our interviewees, offering a variety of supports and tools creates education that's more adaptable to all students. For example, providing lectures along with videos, written materials, online games, or quizzes engages memory in multiple ways.
Nevertheless, students have mixed feelings about the remote learning aspect of their education. They appreciate the autonomy and convenience of remote learning, such as the peace and flexibility it offers and the reduction in commuting. However, human interaction, whether with instructors or peers, remains a priority. In fields like healthcare, social work, and health, these reactions are quite understandable.
The Croix-Rouge Compétence School in Saint-Étienne demonstrates its commitment to digital evolution by providing students with modern and tailored learning opportunities.
Through collaborations with regional institutions and partners like the medical faculty, the school has developed interactive and effective digital learning paths. Student feedback reflects a balanced pedagogical approach that combines in-person and remote learning, making the school a model in the field of medical and social education.
A big thank you to Margot Peoc’h and Margot Jay for taking the time to describe the various digital practices implemented in their institution. Margot Jay is an instructor in the nursing program, and Margot Peoc’h is a librarian. They also oversee the local digital relay as part of their cross-functional roles.
