The Military Healthcare Education and Training Centre (DGOTC) is responsible for organising nearly all medical courses for the Dutch Armed forces, including First Aid, , Medic and Military paramedic assistant training.
When the COVID-19 pandemic struck, the DGOTC was forced to abruptly shut down training in March. This created a major challenge: three medical classes were scheduled to deploy on missions in the following months, yet their education had come to a sudden halt. A solution had to be found quickly.
DGOTC seized the opportunity to implement GPAL Academy to quickly resume training. With social distancing measures in place, training had to shift towards more individual learning, incorporating workbooks, exercises, and instructional videos.
Before COVID-19, training consisted of traditional classroom-bassed lessons, with 12 trainees and one instructor. The instructor demonstrated procedures, after which trainees could practice in according to a set schedule. This approach had to be transformed into an independent learning programme.
“The video-based learning platform GPAL enabled us to change our teaching methods rapidly. In less than three weeks, we transitioned from classroom teaching to independent learning.”
– Michael, Head of the Department
Each trainee now follows an individual learning track supported by an instructional booklet. The booklet contains various courses with exercises and QR codes. By scanning a QR code with the GPAL app, trainees can instantly access relevant instructional videos, making it easy to retrieve the necessary information. After watching the video, trainees can practise the skills independently. Once they feel confident, they record themselves performing the procedure, evaluate their own video, and upload it to the GPAL learning environment. The instructor can watch the videos and give personal feedback.
Even the classroom layout has been redesigned. Each classroom is now divided into four learning zones, ensuring that every trainee has their own space equipped with an iPad, booklet, and GPAL account. This setup allows trainees to practise safely while adhering to social distancing measures.
From classroom teaching to independent learning in 3 weeks
Within just three weeks, DGOTC successfully transitioned from traditional classroom teaching to an independent learning model. Classroom-based instruction has become nearly obsolete. Now, lessons are only held (with 1.5-metre distancing) when absolutely necessary, such as for new protocols or when trainees require additional guidance.
This transformation has also reshaped the role of instructors, shifting them from traditional teachers to learning coaches — a change that has had significant positive effects.
Trainers have had to adapt to their new roles as coaches, focusing more on providing quality feedback. They are now more engaged with trainees, which has led to greater development of metacognitive skills. Trainees are progressing much faster than before, and we’re seeing a significant improvement in learning efficiency.”
With GPAL, trainees not only learn more independently and at their own pace, but they also achieve better results. Instructors remain available to offer support, providing personalised attention to those who need it most.
An Enhanced Training Experience
This new learning approach has been well received. Trainees now have more opportunities to practise, greater flexibility in pacing their learning, and increased interaction. Not only with instructors but also among themselves.
“Even after COVID-19, we want to maintain this independent learning structure using learning tasks and GPAL as much as possible. This approach empowers trainees to take control of their own learning journey.”
– Michael, head of the department .
By creating and reviewing their own videos, trainees become more reflective about their work, continuously improving their skills. This method has not only led to better outcomes but also reduced the course length from five weeks to just three. Instructional videos and hands-on practice have proven to accelerate learning while maintaining high educational quality, all while reducing the intensity of the training process.
Using GPAL even after training
DGOTC aims to ensure that trainees can continue using GPAL even after completing their courses. This will allow them to always have access to visual protocols, enabling them to review procedures as needed. Currently, the Medical Caregiver course is still conducted at the DGOTC training location. However, plans are underway to move a significant portion of the course into real-world environments. This means trainees will practise within actual operational contexts, such as providing medical support on a Marine ship versus assisting a doctor in a field hospital. By training within these environments, trainees can better understand the specific demands of their future roles. Additionally, if a new doctor or medic arrives, they can be trained in the same structured manner, ensuring continuity and consistency. With GPAL, DGOTC has not only adapted to unprecedented challenges but also created a more effective, engaging, and future-proof training system.