Enhanced e-learning for cyber Airmen

By Tech. Sgt. Luke Thornton, Air Force Space Command Cyberspace Support Squadron / Published June 26, 2015

WASHINGTON (AFNS) -- Air Force cyber Airman training takes a giant leap forward with the latest enhancement to AF e-Learning.

The upgrade allows Air Force supervisors and trainers to facilitate better skill-level upgrade and on-the-job training with customizable learning programs that can be updated on the fly to remain current as technology changes.

Computer-based training courses typically cover few training tasks and take hours to complete. Now, supervisors, training managers and the Air Force cyber training team at Keesler Air Force Base, Mississippi, can drill down using modules, chapters and videos to focus cyber Airmen on particular tasks. This will shorten the amount of time Airmen spend on task training while allowing them to learn in a way that works best for their learning style.

Keeping pace with social media trends, wiki and blog capabilities are also now available in the AF e-Learning environment. AF e-Learning blogs allow users to engage with and exchange ideas with other students, subject matter experts, and career field or functional managers. AF e-Learning wikis have the potential to create a great source of community knowledge, information and collaboration on training resources.

“AF e-Learning is making great progress with an eye on agility and affordability with this upgrade,” said Chief Master Sgt. Chip Campbell, the Air Force cyberspace support career field manager. “This program embodies that mantra. This is very exciting; our Airmen will have options for the first time on how they choose to learn!”

The AF e-Learning is portable; it allows Airmen to access training via desktop workstations, personal laptops, smart phones or mobile devices. AF e-Learning is accessible, regardless of an Airman’s duty station.

“The cyberspace domain is a dynamic working environment; the workforce training model must be too. AF e-Learning provides that dynamic training capability while maintaining standardized training efforts,” Campbell said.

AF e-Learning offers upgrade training and continuing education resources to help active-duty, Reserve, Guard and Air Force civilian cyber professionals achieve their goals. Any eligible Air Force member can take advantage of free training resources in a variety of subject areas, including but not limited to: business skills, network security, continuous process improvement, project management, desktop applications and leadership training.

“Books24x7” provides a comprehensive, fully-searchable library of 25 thousand online books and 15 thousand videos. The entire library can be accessed for free on all mobile devices. These resources are available for all levels of expertise and experience.

The AF e-Learning program is managed by Air Force Space Command Cyberspace Support Squadron at Scott Air Force Base, Illinois.