E-Courses from the National Institute of Corrections (NIC) are an online, self-paced alternative to traditional classroom instruction. Like all NIC training, NIC e-courses are free, and they are open to all staff affiliated with a correctional organization. There is no limit to the number of courses an organization can take. So, when the District of Connecticut U.S. Probation and Pretrial Services needed additional training and leadership resources, they reached out to NIC for assistance.
NIC created a specialized learning center in its online learning management system especially for Connecticut. The center was populated with courses chosen by Connecticut staff based on their anticipated learning and leadership needs and the results of an NIC needs assessment. The district had volunteered to be the test district for a new Federal Judicial Center, and the courses would help supervisors and frontline staff prepare for their new roles. Each course targeted specific competencies that the Federal Judicial Center had identified as important.
Since partnering with NIC, Connecticut has made annual completion of the e-courses a requirement for some staff. A District of Connecticut representative says the courses have become their “online ‘go-to’ for professional growth and continued learning.”
Representatives from federal, state, local, and tribal correctional agencies are encouraged to reach out to NIC with requests for training.
