Self-Directed Learning

With self-directed learning, the learner can access the Courseware independently, either as needed or as directed. During initial implementation, the learner follows the scheduled course completion. This can be monitored by the educator and manager using Curriculum Management reports, with follow-up as needed to ensure compliance. This approach is beneficial when a larger number of learners need to be trained. Often used in the initial roll out or annual refresher. In addition, this method provides an immediate training situation for new MDS coordinators or other new staff. When used for new employee orientation, it is often beneficial to combine with educator-led training or mentoring. Learners can also access any section of the Courseware for immediate focused education on an MDS Section or concept. This is often used during MDS completion, or whenever a question related to scheduling, RUGs, or item coding occurs.


Blended Learning

Combines online delivery of educational content with the best features of classroom interaction and live instruction to personalize learning, allow for thoughtful reflection, and provide differentiated instruction from student to student across a diverse group of learners. AIS Central is designed help educators by providing the online component to enhance the one-on-one and classroom learning currently being provided by the education department or consultants.

Educator-Led: Training is in a group setting led by the company educator or consultant. This type of education is very effective when training a group or groups of employees with similar job duties, such as administrators or regional team members. The modules are used as the basis for the training, and group discussion is facilitated by the educator. The review questions provide a pre-test discussion to ensure understanding of how to access the modules and the material.

Group-Led with Facilitator: Section training is scheduled with an identified facility facilitator, who can be a facility SME for the discipline that will be completing that section of the MDS, or an identified leader in the facility. Prior to the group session, the facilitator must review and understand the content of the section to be covered (including completing the post-test) and, ideally, review their results and questions with the educator. It is also recommended that prior to the session the learners review the sections. This learning method is very successful for an initial roll-out or for major MDS or RUG updates. The review questions can be used to facilitate discussion and interaction with the team.

One-on-one with identified mentor: Training is provided by an individual who has demonstrated competency in the both the RAI process and AIS eTraining (often a regional MDS consultant or team leader). The learner learns how to access the Courseware, is directed to study the materials, and reviews each review question with the mentor before taking the test. The mentor might sit with the learner and coach them through the test. This method is most often used when an employee has been unsuccessful completing the tests on multiple occasions, and is usually used when there is a competency issue with a few sections. It is the most labor intensive method, and may be cost-prohibitive to provide for all employees.


Workflow Learning

Workflow learning technology is integrated with information systems to offer the right education at the right time to the right person, along with the resources needed to perform these tasks. For example, while completing an MDS assessment, the employee would be able to access the appropriate section of the eTraining module for the specific MDS item or assessment.

  • The Courseware is set up to allow learners to access the entire course content or a specific section of the MDS or a specific topic, as needed. The ability to access the specific information required in order to answer a specific question or questions is the basis of integrated workflow learning.

  • The Courseware is always available to the user when completing an MDS or reviewing feedback received after completion and submission.

  • Some software vendors have integrated this workflow learning process into the MDS data entry program within their software.