Blended learning is ASSET to Abacus Travel Agents

Abacus today launched an innovative blended learning approach to help travel agency employees master Abacus systems and solutions.

Blended learning is a combination of two or more instructional approaches designed to achieve high value, efficient and effective training - Abacus ASSET self-learning blended with Instructor-led training.

Abacus ASSET provides travel agents with an e-learning component that compliments Abacus' classroom training. The blended learning approach provides an effective means to conduct essential systems training.

Available on CD-Rom, the elearning component has an easy-to-follow modular structure and uses interactive multimedia demonstrations to capture users' attention and accurately illustrate how they respond to commands in a real situation. At the end of each module, Abacus ASSET asks recap questions to further aid knowledge retention. Moreover, learners have the flexibility to repeat exercises at a time that is convenient to them.

"We developed Abacus ASSET to support and complement the instructor and classroom-based training package we already offer our customers. The new system will enable travel consultants to learn about our systems anytime, anywhere and at their own pace, which has been proven to greatly improve comprehension and information retention," said Aileen Tan, Vice President, Centres of Excellence for Abacus International.

"In turn, we believe the combination of self-learning and classroom instruction will make our travel agents more productive and efficient, which will improve the service they provide to their customers," added Aileen Tan.

Over the past few months, Abacus ASSET has been tested by some leading travel agents across Asia Pacific.

"The system is user-friendly and easy to access. More importantly, it is an accurate source of information as compared to word-of-mouth instructions from another user," said Judy Hoong, a Travel Counsellor for Mayflower American Express, Malaysia.

Mani Thamil, a Marketing Support Executive with Asia Experience, said: "It supports each individual to be more independent and self-motivated to learn what we don't know or have forgotten. At least I won't have to trouble my colleagues to train me when they are busy."

Abacus commenced blended training in Malaysia and Singapore last month, with the view to rolling out a Chinese version Q2 2005. Abacus aims for all 10,000 of its travel agents to benefit from the system in the near future.

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