Learning Capability and Development Group

The Centre for Defence Education Research and Analysis (CDERA) contributes to anticipating and overcoming real world defence challenges through the curation, analysis and dissemination of defence and security-related research.

We support learners to develop the intellectual edge through investigative and problem-based learning that addresses contemporary issues facing defence, while anticipating those of tomorrow.

CDERA is also responsible for the defence research platform, Defence Academic Research Environment (DARE). DARE is a repository of academic research accessible to all MOD personnel, regardless of whether you have studied at the Defence Academy. The platform acts as conduit between our learning community and wider defence for the exchange of research projects and ideas.

The Defence Awarding Organisation (DAO) is approved and regulated by the Office of Qualifications and Examinations Regulation with authority to accredit courses onto the Regulatory Qualification Framework.

DAO provides the opportunity for defence organisations to offer recognised qualifications. Either as single unit qualification or multiple units, that build towards a higher-level qualification, enabling recognition and future opportunity to MOD personnel.

The DAO enables defence to continue to develop a strategic approach to accreditation by ensuring a close fit with external developments and coherence, within and across the services, while minimising cost.

The Defence Centre for Training Support (DCTS) is a key enabler of high-quality training across the MOD and with our international partners. Our courses enable personnel involved in defence training (including analysis, design, delivery, management and assurance) to maximise their contribution to defence capabilities. Moreover, it provides a hub of training specialists available for consultancy on defence projects.

DCTS has three main functions:

• course delivery including:
  • Defence Trainer Capability (DTC)
  • Commanding Officer of Training Establishments
  • Defence Systems Approach to Training
• DTC franchise management. The single-Services offer DTC courses through a franchise arrangement at over 20 locations across the UK. All franchises are assured by the DCTS Franchise Development team
• Training optimisation. To assure DCTS course quality, we have a specialised team who are responsible for the internal validation, assurance and development of our delivery in accordance with defence training policies

The Futures team works to develop and modernise the Defence Academy’s training, technology and education research and delivery. Our main responsibilities include:

• Training and education assurance through using quality data and supporting management processes
• To align new training and education (T&E) requirements and to lead on research and development processes, while exploring technology enhanced learning options and ensuring good practice across the learning landscape
• Leading engagement with international academic and professional networks to identify soft power opportunities that will lead to the further development of UK defence education

The Learning Development and Assurance (LD&A) team assist with training management, including care and welfare/safe education at the Defence Academy (DefAc).The team offer advice, guidance and consultancy on all aspects of training and education.

The LD&A function is divided into two main areas:

• the analysis, design and delivery of training
• the assurance of training delivery

LD&A also manages the DefAc’s Management of Education Training System (MTES), which guarantees that all training is safe, risk-focused, accountable, appropriate to the training need and cost-effective. The MTES is developed in accordance with the Defence Systems Approach to Training methodology.

Additionally, LD&A provide the following bespoke training:

• Defence Higher Education Training
• Defence Higher Education Training (International)
• International training, in support of the Defence Centre for Training Support

The Technology Enhanced Learning (TEL) team consists of two individual elements: Content and Learning Design (CLD) and the eLearning Development Team (eDT).

The eDT are subject matter experts in developing online courses as well as supporting and offering guidance to training providers at the Defence Academy (DefAc).

The team combines graphic and web design knowledge with skillsets in animation, HTML5 coding, JavaScript, audio and video recording/post-production, instructional design techniques, Moodle, and a working knowledge of industry standard eLearning development tools.

The CLD team are responsible for the development of high-quality learning materials. Working with the training providers to gather requirements, CLD create innovative and engaging academic resources to support DefAc course delivery.