The British Learning Association (BLA) is the latest professional association to provide members with an online ‘one-stop shop’ for self-learning.

Virtual Learning Solutions (VLS) is a new initiative, developed in conjunction with Echelon Learning, to support the BLA’s remit to advise on best practice, techniques and technologies in learning, and issues and events. A library of 1,600 downloadable bite-size performance solutions, VLS is available on a just-in-time basis for both companies and at-home learners. Its resources are electronically adaptable to support business and learning objectives.

Most solutions are priced at between £2 and £5, with a number available at no cost at all.

Solutions can be accessed on an individual basis, via secure credit card transaction, or on a team basis, by setting up a corporate account enabling members to download solutions via a password.

An additional feature of VLS is the means for users to record learning through a free Learning Log, whether learning is derived from within or outside the site, for the purpose of Continuing Professional Development (CPD).

Learning events can be categorised and recorded against customised headings, which can be derived from a personal development plan, guidance on the creation of which is also provided.

The Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI), Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) and the Institute of Civil Engineers (ICE) are amongst other professional bodies using Echelon’s learningmatters.com/ resource to provide learning support to their members and other users.

Further information on VLS at learningmatters.com/bla/ and www.british-learning.com/.