The Logica 'university' first integrated distance learning into its training programmes in 2005 for young consultants and engineers primed for management positions. Whereas this programme had been conducted entirely through face-to-face teaching before, it was entirely redesigned and reworked to incorporate online CrossKnowledge sessions.

As Raphaèle Dhennequin, the University director, explains, 'as far as distance learning is concerned, we must avoid forcing the issue, but instead give ourselves the means to ensure that it is an essential part of the course.' Face-to-face teaching has not been eliminated, far from it. Face-to-face learning focuses on its true values: experience-sharing, simulations, practical applications and informal exchanges. At the beginning of the 'e-learning' stage, and before attending modules outlining the course concepts of 'managerial know-how', learners are asked to complete an online self-evaluation of their methods. The results enable them to identify their management style. 'Introducing a self-evaluation training makes the programme more attractive. Participants appreciate the concepts as well as the related explanations', notes Jean-Paul Saby, in charge of the university training programme. 

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It goes without saying that teachers have reinvented their role and have focused on the benefits of face-toface teaching: experience-sharing, contextualisation, role playing, etc. They lead an increasing number of exercises and simulations to ensure that trainees have effectively acquired skills and, as such, really accompany participants as they develop their skills.

Raphaèle Dhennequin explains: 'Thanks to distance learning, the teaching staff can create a “team building” environment more quickly because participants have already acquired theoretical knowledge. There is therefore a double-edged requirement which maximize exchanges within each graduating class.'

Through longer face-to-face seminars, and the balance provided by distance learning, the university meets its objectives for sharing and exchanging information within a group environment. The 'network' aspect, one of the foundations of the Logica University, is therefore maintained. After regrouping, each graduating class continues to build its knowledge through a third set of distance learning modules. Another self-evaluation concludes the programme and enables learners to assess how well they have incorporated practices and acquired knowledge.

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