Noteboom The Law Firm

VA Opens First Distance Learning Center

April 2, 2010 - Three years ago the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) began developing the National Information Technology Training Academy. $1.5 million dollars later, the facility has finally opened its doors. The facility has 12 employees and will save the VA approximately $3 million a year. This modular system will allow faster development and training of employees.  

Approximately 7,000 Information Technology (IT) professionals work for the VA. The training through the distance learning center can reach as many as 200 students at one time across the country. The majority of the $3 million that will be saved will come from travel expenses.

The VA has designed very structured training sessions. The learning program combines high-definition video teleconferencing with virtual desktops in an effort create a live and more professional learning environment in a completely modular setting. The overall learning environment will be much more flexible in what is possible through distance learning because of the integration of so many different technologies.

The Spring Mills facility is the hub of the distance learning center and connects to the regional sites. There are 3 new regional sites planned for construction but the 4 main training centers are located in:

• Washington, D.C.;
• Arlington, Texas;
• Orlando, Florida; and
• Denver Colorado.

The VA has a solid commitment to serving the nations veterans. The VA's training is essential to aiding the veterans in many ways, not the least of which is proper health care. The training is all encompassing and is not limited to one type VA employee. The training ranges from security guards at the VA to health care professionals.