Gene Louw Traffic College to introduce e-learning

Last week, 14 senior traffic officials from the Department of Transport and Public Works (DTPW) and various Western Cape municipal traffic centres tested the new online e-learning platform at Gene Louw Traffic College, Brackenfell. More officials will attend similar workshops before the new system is officially launched on 10 March 2017.

As a learning organisation, DTPW is establishing a centre of excellence which enables traffic officers to be lifelong learners. The system, which uses Moodle open source software, helps to give effect to the Western Cape Government’s “Connect and Learn” (e-learning) Game-Changer.

The administration and assessment of courses at the College is currently being done manually, which is very time-consuming. The demand for trained authorised officers has steadily increased and the new e-learning portal will make it easier to meet the needs of the traffic law enforcement sector. Online courses will provide informal training as well as specialised training interventions. Formal training will be provided at a later stage.

Video conferencing equipment at various traffic centres in the Western Cape has made it possible for trainees to participate in e-learning events and meetings closer to home. This will save time and money previously spent on travelling to the College for training and increase the amount of time officers can be on duty.

Rachelle Swart, a senior traffic inspector at Caledon Traffic Centre, says the e-learning site is user-friendly and the information is relevant to the average traffic officer. “The system is easy to use and will be valuable to traffic officers who would like to undergo refresher courses. They do not need to travel to the College for theoretical training, which will improve productivity and contribute to road safety in the long run,” she said.

Johan van Lill, a senior traffic inspector at Berg River Municipality, says the e-learning system will connect traffic officers and enable ongoing traffic law enforcement learning. “We will be able to connect with other traffic officers through video conferencing,” he said. “Also, our officers will be able to learn about weighbridge operations and keep abreast of the latest developments in traffic law enforcement.”