California State University Boosts Training
Playback Media (www.playback.com) announced an agreement with the California State University (CSU) system to offer its e-Learning solution to CSU campuses. The service includes courses encompassing a range of employment issues, discrimination, and other workplace lifestyle issues.
The Playback Media Web-based e-Learning solution will be offered to each of the 23 California State University campuses as well as to the CSU Chancellor's Office. It also offers certificates — groups of courses designated by managers to help employees achieve development goals. Completion of these certificates can be tied to performance evaluations.
Lynne Hellmer, CSU senior director of system-wide professional development, spearheaded the training project to address the training needs of 41,000 CSU faculty and staff.
"The CSU was seeking an e-Learning solution that would have both a short and long-term effect — first by quickly impacting the high-profile pain points associated with some of the workplace compliance topics, and secondly by enhancing the professional skills of our staff," said Hellmer. "Playback Media's high quality content addressed the scope of our initial needs, and its customization offering has enabled CSU to consider extending the function of the product to address CSU-specific issues."
The California State University says it may supplement the existing library of Playback's e-Learning with a range of CSU-specific 30-minute lessons.
"The CSU wanted video and lots of action but it had to run over the Internet," said Hellmer. "The static delivery of the flat, HTML slide show style typical of many e-Learning solutions would not engage our workforce. The CSU is pleased with the decision to work with Playback Media. The content, the technology and the customer service have exceeded our expectations and fulfilled our criteria."
"Working with one of the largest state university systems in the country is a great opportunity for Playback Media to showcase how effective e-Learning can be within the education field as well as for other geographically dispersed enterprises," said Nancy Campbell, president and CEO of Playback Media.
Playback Media has more than 150 e-Learning programs, including Managing Virtual Teams, High-Performance Communication, Preventing Sexual Harassment and Ethical Decision Making. It has also raised more than $25 million in financing from Crystal Internet Venture Funds, Halpern, Denny & Company, El Dorado Ventures, Thomvest Holdings and APV Technology Partners.