Feedback from free HPLC training video

In June of this year Mourne Training Services released a free training video on YouTube: ‘A Brief Guide to HPLC instruments’. The video has been extremely popular with over 9000 views in the last six months from all around the world. It has a 5 star rating and has been selected as a favourite by YouTube users many times. An example of a particularly gratifying comment is this one: ‘great video; thank you very much for a simple to understand component breakdown of the process!’ This type of comment assures us that we have achieved our aim with this video.

It was intended to provide a useful resource which explained how all the bits in a HPLC system come together to enable HPLC analysis but it was also an opportunity to try out our new concept for online training. Stretching our minds back to university days we remembered that being at a lecture and having something explained to you was much better in terms of retaining the information than trying to make sense of the notes later, even if the notes were very good. A one hour lecture could take as much as 3 or more hours to get to grips with on your own. We tested this theory a little further by using a poll on the MTS blog where we asked:

Which of the following two methods of learning do you prefer?
1. Reading well written notes on the topic
2. Watching a video which explains the topic

The response was overwhelmingly for option 2; watching a video. Hardly scientific research but still adding to the overall theory that having something explained to you verbally is preferable, even without opportunities for questions.

Our new online training solution, UTrain, consists of training videos which are similar to ‘A Brief Guide to HPLC instruments’ but contain further information. The videos are supported by exercises which can be undertaken by an individual or as part of a group. Fully completed solutions for these exercises is provided. The training is finished off with an e-learning review/assessment which tests the learning. On successful completion of the assessment a certificate is awarded which is recognised by the Royal Society of Chemistry for the purposes of continuing professional development.

UTrain is available as a subscription service which can be purchased by your laboratory. It consists of a series of modules which are available separately, thus you can choose the training that is needed in your lab. The first four modules are available now on the topic of basic HPLC.

Contact us for more information, or, if you would like to arrange a free trial of UTrain so that you can try it out for yourself.