The program, called EXCEL Charlotte, offers a blend of online content and classroom training. "Our goal is to move supervisors and managers from mere information to knowledge and application," said Kathy Thomas-Massey, EXCEL program manager for the city. "Using e-Learning and other innovative learning approaches is a critical part of our business goals as a department."
Launched in September, the program is based on guidelines developed by Charlotte's city manager. It combines online leadership courses, simulations and instant advice from e-learning provider Ninth House with classroom-based instruction from Charlotte-based HR-DNA.
EXCEL Charlotte represents an innovative approach to skills development, according to city officials.
"We had been thinking about e-Learning for a while and this initiative represents our first step," said Edith Blydenburgh, Charlotte's director of training and development. "We are excited about the interest expressed so far from participants. Within the first week of advertising the EXCEL Charlotte series, we filled our first program."