Digital Update

CHROMacademy is an evolution of Crawford's EARL2learn programme with an array of extra features. Feedback from over 10 years of chromatography training has pinpointed the main areas where many practising chromatographers are weak: The basics of separation techniques; parameter optimization; method development and troubleshooting separations.

E-learning Expertise

As professional e-learning developers, Crawford recognize the educational value of using animation as an e-learning tool and the importance of interactivity and assessments to support the remote learner and enable them to check their progress. This site is much more than part of a text-book transferred to an electronic format. There are over 2000 separate animations, interactive tutorials and assessments within the site.

Interactive multi-media: key to effective e-learning.

There are over 3000 pages of e-learning on HPLC, GC, MS and Sample Preparation techniques to improve practical knowledge for the absolute novice (What is Chromatography?) to the expert who needs a refresher in a particular topic (Advanced Topics in LC–MS Spectral Interpretation, for example). Much of the learning material is 'Recommend by the Royal Society of Chemistry for the purposes of Continuing Professional Development'.

The site can be also be used for induction training or programmed learning activities and there are tutorials and assessments built into all learning modules to check progress. The site is currently being used in this way by a wide range of learners from blue-chip pharma companies to leading universities.

CHROMacademy can also be used as a portal for 'quick update' refresher training on a "need-to-know" basis. Users can also use the site to check on all of the latest news and opinions from around the world (with over 500 sources of news) as well as the latest vendor information and applications.

The site will soon launch a 3D interactive HPLC Troubleshooter that can help with instrument and chromatographic troubleshooting. The logic is taken from collaborative work with the University of the West of Scotland and uses algorithms, which make problem identification and remedy suggestion very effective. This approach is based on systems used in the aeronautical engineering industry.

User Support

As with all world-class e-learning, the degree of learner support is critical to success for users. CHROMacademy has a wide range of support options, including Ask The Expert — students can ask a question at any time from the expert panel and a definitive response is guaranteed within 24 hours; the ability to print all e-learning materials for off-line study; and CHROMmunity — a social networking community where questions can be asked of peers and experts.

CHROMmunity

CHROMmunity has all the features of other social networking sites, which makes it very familiar and easy to use. However, CHROMmunity focuses on problem solving, troubleshooting and e-learning in chromatography and mass spectrometry. The aim is for CHROMmunity and CHROMacademy to become the first port of call on the web when chromatographers encounter (or solve) a problem. Go to www.chrommunity.ning.com

Electronic Aids

There is a host of electronic tools to help chromatographers practically in the lab, including e-Nomograms, Mobile Phase Preparation Calculators, MS Isotope Pattern Predictors and much more. Content is constantly being updated on the site and an exciting range of new modules will be released over the next three months: A Guide to the Orbitrap Analyser; Interactive 3D HPLC Troubleshooting; MELDI/ SELDI; Fast HPLC; HILIC; Interactive SPE Method Development; and Fast GC using Reduced i.d. Columns.

Subscribers are also encouraged to submit fresh topic ideas for modules and webinars to improve their practical skills in the laboratory.

For further information go to www.chromacademy.com or contact info@chromacademy.com