British civil servants get iPods to help training

LONDON - The British interior ministry has issued 20 of its top civil servants with video-playing iPod mp3 players pre-loaded with training films to help improve their management techniques, The Times reported on Tuesday.

The gadgets, purchased at a cost of nearly 9,000 pounds (13,175 euros, 17,750 dollars) are part of a pilot project aimed at providing a more flexible way for civil servants to learn new techniques, rather than classroom-based instruction.

According to the interior ministry, the players can hold the equivalent of three days worth of classroom teaching material, and can be re-used by several civil servants.

"We are constantly seeking to find the most cost-effective way of providing learning and development across the department," an interior ministry spokeswoman said.

"Video iPods pre-loaded with 50 three- to five-minute leadership lessons are currently being piloted with a small number of senior civil service staff.

"As with other modern learning aids, iPods provide the opportunity for flexible learning and the cost is extremely competitive compared with the rates for classroom training for senior staff."

Asked whether civil servants would be able to use the mp3 players for their own personal music or videos, she said: "As with all Home Office IT equipment, the video iPods should be used appropriately, for work purposes, and will be monitored accordingly."

Agence France-Presse