Imagine a world where customs officers are no longer confined to traditional classrooms but can learn the latest regulations and operational procedures anytime, anywhere, using computers or mobile devices. This vision, which enhances learning efficiency while making customs training more flexible and personalized, is being realized by the World Customs Organization (WCO). Azerbaijan Customs is actively participating in this transformative initiative.
From January 31 to February 5, 2019, the WCO conducted an e-learning mission in Baku, Azerbaijan, for the State Customs Committee (SCC) of the Republic of Azerbaijan. The mission aimed to support Azerbaijan Customs in implementing a blended learning approach, combining the WCO’s e-learning platform with traditional classroom methods, and to officially launch the SCC’s national e-learning platform.
The WCO provided technical assistance for installation and setup, and the launch ceremony was co-chaired by Mr. Safar Mehdiyev, Chairman of the SCC, and Ms. Brenda Mundia, Deputy Director of the WCO’s Capacity Building Directorate. During the event, Mr. Mehdiyev emphasized the growing global and national demand for responsive and proactive customs administrations, noting that human capital is one of the most valuable assets in adapting to the evolving customs environment. He highlighted the significance of the e-learning platform in enhancing the overall knowledge of SCC officers and expressed gratitude for the WCO’s support.
Ms. Mundia underscored the importance of comprehensive and complex learning processes for customs professionals to acquire and develop a wide range of skills, knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors. She also stressed the critical role of the WCO’s e-learning modules in this process. These modules cover all aspects of customs work, enabling officers to better understand and apply relevant knowledge and skills.
During the mission, a train-the-trainer program was conducted to introduce the new platform and the WCO’s multilingual e-learning modules. The training also covered blended learning methodologies, which integrate e-learning materials with traditional face-to-face classroom instruction. Representatives from the WCO’s Regional Office for Capacity Building in Europe participated in discussions on promoting the use of WCO e-modules across the region through blended learning. The SCC is now prepared to pilot a basic customs course using this approach on its new e-learning platform.
Blended Learning: The Future of Customs Training
While traditional classroom instruction has long been a cornerstone of customs training, the rapid advancement of information technology has exposed its limitations. Fixed schedules and locations often fail to accommodate the diverse needs of customs officers, and the one-size-fits-all approach of traditional teaching struggles to address individual learning paces and capabilities.
Blended learning, which merges e-learning with traditional classroom methods, offers a solution to these challenges. Its advantages include:
- Flexibility: Officers can learn at their own pace and convenience, unrestricted by time or location.
- Personalization: Instructors can tailor guidance to each officer’s progress and abilities.
- Interactivity: Learners can engage with instructors and peers through both digital platforms and in-person sessions.
- Cost-effectiveness: E-learning reduces training expenses while improving efficiency.
The WCO E-Learning Platform: A Powerful Tool for Blended Learning
The WCO E-Learning Platform, developed by the WCO, provides high-quality training resources for customs officers worldwide. It offers a diverse range of modules covering key areas such as:
- The Harmonized System
- Customs Valuation
- Rules of Origin
- Intellectual Property Rights Enforcement
- Trade Facilitation
- Supply Chain Security
The platform’s strengths lie in its authoritative, multilingual content, diverse formats (including text, videos, and animations), and user-friendly interface.
Azerbaijan Customs: Pioneering Progress
Azerbaijan Customs has consistently prioritized the professional development of its officers and embraced innovative training methods. Its collaboration with the WCO to implement blended learning marks a significant step forward. By adopting the WCO E-Learning Platform, Azerbaijan Customs aims to deliver more flexible, personalized, and efficient training, ultimately enhancing officers’ competencies and improving customs operations.
The SCC plans to pilot a basic customs course using blended learning on its new platform, combining self-paced e-learning with traditional classroom instruction. This initiative will help Azerbaijan Customs refine a model that could serve as a benchmark for other nations.
WCO’s Ongoing Commitment
The WCO will continue supporting Azerbaijan Customs in implementing blended learning, providing technical assistance and training resources. It will also share Azerbaijan’s experiences with other customs administrations to foster global progress in training. The WCO believes blended learning can elevate professional standards, advance trade facilitation, and contribute to economic growth.
Looking Ahead
As information technology evolves, blended learning will play an increasingly vital role in customs training. The WCO remains committed to developing high-quality e-learning resources and supporting customs administrations worldwide in adopting blended approaches. With collaborative efforts, the future of customs training promises greater flexibility, personalization, and efficiency, strengthening the foundation for global trade prosperity.