The Finnish Swimming Education and Lifesaving Association (SUH) was founded in 1956 and the main tasks of the organisation are to promote swimming skills, water safety and related conditions. They guide the usual swimming teaching and lifesaving work, advise and educate and train the professionals in the field. FSL also improves the safety of public swimming pools, beaches and other swimming places. In addition, FSL issues lifesaving badges for deserving people in water rescue, maintains advance statistics of drowning accidents for the usage of media and officials and sells swimming badges that motivate the learning and development of swimming skills.
FSL’s road from Optima to Priima learning management system
FSL first pondered back in 2012 if a learning management system would benefit them. At first, a portal-like solution was in place in the organization. Training materials were in the form of videos. However, this brought up a challenge. They weren’t able to edit or update the contents of the environment on their own. Due to this, FSL began to search for a new service provider that would better answer their needs a year later.
SUH found us, Saarni Learning, as their partner and the Optima learning environment as their solution. Fast forward a few years. Learning management systems develop, needs change and FSL changed from Optima to modern Priima learning management system. The implementation took place in fall 2019. The implementation took place in fall 2019.
“This was an extremely good time, because now we know what time we are living in. The use of the Priima learning environment has increased tremendously with distance learning. We also strongly believe that Priima’s development will not stand still, and Saarni Learning is ready to challenge itself whenever necessary.”
Anne Hiltunen, SUH Lifesaving Training Planner
Ease of use and versatility of the learning environment play an important role
SUH had found the cooperation with Saarni Learning reliable and it seemed easy to switch to Priima instead of Optima. “The implementation process went well. At first, we tried Priima learning management system on our own and then had a comprehensive orientation. Also, if you have any questions, Priima’s helpdesk gives amazing service every time. You get help easily and effortlessly,” Anne thanks.
It’s easier to follow the progress of learners with the help of Priima and it’s a flexible platform that adapts well to very different needs. Learners are also able to monitor their own progress conveniently. The learning management system can be utilized in the form of assignments, tests, exams and for example webinars in a versatile way. Precisely, the platform’s user-friendliness and comprehensive tools were in key position when choosing a new learning management system. “I would say that the best aspects of Saarni Learning as a service provider are good service, diversity, living in the spirit of the times and the versatility of the Priima learning environment,” Anne says.
It’s easy to expand online trainings when the base is good
FSL educates around 3000 people every year and most of them use Priima learning management system one way or another in their studies. All course materials are in Priima. The return of assignments is simple and it’s easy for the trainer to give feedback to the course participants. “During the pandemic, it’s also possible to organize just an online course that the course participants study independently regardless of time and place,” Anne continues.
The users have given positive feedback regarding Priima. Priima motivates the user to study in a course as they are able to monitor their progress very easily. Educational institutions are also using Priima and educators have praised its usability. Anne believes that the number of online courses they offer will expand even further and it’s efficient to take courses online with the help of Priima.
