Introductory Guide for New or Prospective Students

Background Information

With a global client base ranging from government agencies to members of the Fortune 500, Toddington International Inc. (“TII”) has been enabling its customers to find and use online information more effectively since 1997.  With a focus on law enforcement, government, security, research, and intelligence-related professionals in both the public and private sectors, our courses provide the tools, techniques, and technical know-how required to effectively and efficiently use the internet to conduct online research and investigations.

Initially launched in 1998 and branded Using the Internet as an Investigative Research Tool™ in 2006, our core training course has been undertaken by thousands of investigators, researchers, and open source intelligence professionals worldwide, and remains our most popular to date. Due to an overwhelming demand from investigators around the world, we are now pleased to offer a universal version of this course, with tools and resources categorized by region, including Asia and the Pacific, United Kingdom, Europe, Canada, and the United States.

Introduced in 2013, our Introduction to Intelligence Analysis course was the first online course released in our popular Intelligence Analysis Methods series, which is now accompanied by our Criminal Intelligence Analysis and Strategic Intelligence Analysis courses.

Upon implementation of the European Union 4th AML Directive, we launched our Open Source Intelligence for Financial Investigators training in 2017, which replaced our former Internet Research Skills for Financial Investigators course.  (This course is currently is under revision and will be available again soon).

Due to a high demand for our in-person social media intelligence training, in January of 2021 we launched the online version of this course, Social Media Intelligence & Investigation.

Finally, we recently launched our Critical Thinking for Investigators course in October 2021.

For more information about our courses, please contact training@toddington.com.

*In 2010, Toddington International Inc. became a Federally Certified Educational Institution with the ability to issue tax receipts to Canadian students enrolled in our Using the Internet as an Investigative Research Tool course.

Course Choices

Using the Internet as an Investigative Research Tool™

This course is designed for research and investigative professionals located around the world and contains information, sites, and tools relevant to online investigation and research that spans the global networks we operate in daily.

Social Media Intelligence & Investigation

This course will introduce research and investigative professionals to a variety of essential tools and techniques necessary to locate, collect, and utilize social platform-sourced information, and introduce investigators to the considerations and implications of leveraging this type of information safely and appropriately.

Introduction to Critical Thinking for Investigators

This course is designed to provide investigators with a solid foundation in critical thinking, with a blend of theoretical foundations, practical examples, resources, and tactical tools.  Introduction to Critical Thinking for Investigators gives practitioners a foundation in critical thinking that is immediately applicable to their work, with relevant examples drawn from the world of open source intelligence and investigations.

Introduction to Intelligence Analysis

This course is designed to equip aspiring and inexperienced analysts, as well as other interested professionals with the knowledge and skills to undertake intelligence analysis tasks, and to better understand intelligence analysis products when encountered.

Criminal Intelligence Analysis

To find our more about our courses, contact our training department at training@toddington.com.

How Do I Register?

Get started in three simple steps:

Technical Requirements

Students must have a computer capable of accessing:

• The World Wide Web
• Email

Each student must have a basic working knowledge of:

• Word Processing Software: Microsoft Word or equivalent
• A Web Browser: Internet Explorer, Safari, Mozilla Firefox, or equivalent
• A PDF reader: Adobe Reader version 7.0 or above (download for free here)
• Presentation Software: MS PowerPoint or equivalent (not applicable for all courses)

For more information about the technical requirements of the course, please contact training@toddington.com.

Cost and Payment Methods

The cost of each e-learning course can be viewed here. Online course registration includes all modules of the course, and a free one-year subscription to our Premium Resources Knowledge Base (a $299 value).

Corporate rates for larger groups of students are available upon request, as well as licensing agreements for larger public and private sector organizations. Contact us for more information.

Payment can be made by credit card directly at the point of registration, or by cheque, wire transfer, and PayPal. You can register online with a credit card here. For other payment options or to find out more, please contact training@toddington.com.

Timeframes and Student Assistance

Each of our courses are comprised of two to four modules and are expected to take between 40 to 60 hours, as noted below:

• Using the Internet as an Investigative Research Tool: 4 Modules - 50 to 70 Hrs
  
• Social Media Intelligence & Investigation: 3 Modules - 50 to 70 Hrs
  
• Introduction to Intelligence Analysis: 2 Modules - 40 Hrs
  
• Criminal Intelligence Analysis: 2 Modules - 40 to 50 Hrs
• Strategic Intelligence Analysis: 2 Modules - 40 to 50 Hrs
• Open Source Intelligence for Financial Investigators: 4 Modules - 40 to 60 Hrs
  

Curency of Course Materials

We are committed to providing the highest quality experience for all of our students.

With continual course updates, every effort is made to ensure that the information contained within our courses is accurate and up-to-date. However, the rate of growth and change of Internet content may render certain information contained within the lessons obsolete prior to completion.

Errors, broken links, or outdated material should be reported immediately to your course instructor and will be remedied immediately.

If you would like more information about the course materials, please contact training@toddington.com.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is online learning for me?

Distance or online learning is ideal for those individuals who have limited time or resources to conduct a classroom-based course due to employment or other commitments. Distance learning encourages the student to study at their own pace, within their own environment, allowing them to achieve their potential at their own speed, with as much or as little assistance as required. Students undertaking a distance learning study program must be self-motivated and disciplined in their learning to ensure that the program is completed within the required time frame.

Where can I find extra help?

The Toddington Training Solutions website contains an easy-to-use discussion forum where students can communicate ideas and solutions or seek assistance from other online learners. Additionally, your course instructor can be reached via email or telephone at any time to offer guidance and answer specific questions. Instructors will endeavor to respond to requests for assistance within 24 hours of receiving an email.

What if I need more time to complete the course?

In special circumstances, time extensions may be granted. Course extension requests should be submitted via email to your course instructor one month prior to your original completion date. One short extension may be granted per module depending upon circumstances.

Do I need to study for a minimum number of hours per week?

Each course lesson clearly indicates the expected amount of time that the lesson is expected to take to complete, allowing students to plan study time accordingly, and take into account work and home commitments. A realistic time commitment would be 2-4 hours per week for each module of the course.

How is the course material presented?

The course material is presented in a Web-based HTML format, as well as a series of downloadable .PDF documents. The material can be accessed from any computer from any location worldwide, and can be viewed as many times as required. Depending on the course, you may be required to submit Knowledge Reviews, which are completed and submitted online, and are marked automatically. Course assignments and case studies are presented as .PDF or Word documents that can be downloaded, completed, and uploaded to the site for marking by the course instructor.

Can I print the course material?

While the lessons are printable, we strongly encourage students not to print the course material, which can amount to approximately 900 pages, to protect the environment and spare the trees.

Where can I find details of the course assignments?

Each course requires that students complete research assignments throughout each module of the course. An explanation of the assignment criteria can be found within the course introduction document at the beginning of each module, or at various other points throughout the course material, depending on the course.

What is the overall passing grade?

The overall passing grade for successful completion of our courses is 70%. This is the grade that must be attained in order to receive the certificate of completion for our courses.

What happens if I don't complete the course within the specified time?

If you are unable to complete the course within the specified time, you should contact your course instructor to request an extension. At the conclusion of the course, you will be graded on the assignments that have been submitted up to that time; this may or may not equate to the 70% mark required to successfully complete the course. Any student not completing the entire course within a 12 month period will be required to submit an explanation through their Supervisor or Line Manager explaining the reason for the delay and requesting a further extension.

Must I complete the Knowledge Review quizzes?

Depending on the course, students may be required to complete Knowledge Review quizzes, which students are required to complete. These reviews are intended to solidify your understanding of the course material. Students may take as long as necessary to complete the reviews and take as many attempts as required. While a compulsory part of the course, Knowledge Reviews will not count toward your final grades. Once submitted, Knowledge Reviews are automatically graded. Students can request the instructor to review a particular Knowledge Review to offer feedback, assistance or guidance.

Who do I contact if I find errors in the course material?

While every effort has been made to ensure that the information contained within the course material is accurate and up-to-date, changes in technology and Web site services can occasionally result in inaccuracies in the course material. Errors and relevant new material that should be included in future revisions of the course should be reported to the course instructor.

How often is the material updated?

The course content is updated continually. Significant changes to course material, in addition to useful updates, will be posted to the Site Notices discussion forum located on the homepage of this site, within the different module forums, or emailed directly to you.

If you have additional questions that are not answered above, please contact training@toddington.com.

Terms and Conditions

Disclaimer

Information available at this site is provided solely for the user's information, and while believed to be accurate, is provided strictly "as is" and without warranty of any kind, either express or implied. Toddington International Inc., its agents, employees or contractors will not be liable to you for any damages, direct or indirect, or lost profits or data arising out of your use of information provided at this site, or information provided at any other site that can be accessed from this site.

Toddington International Inc. does not necessarily endorse the content or views of web pages externally linked to this site.

Copyright and Intellectual Property

All material, including copyright and marks under the Trade Marks Act (Canada), is owned by Toddington International Inc. and is protected by intellectual property law.

Non-Transferable

Your enrollment/registration provides one account that is a personal, non-exclusive, and non-transferable right to access the full text of all course material subscribed to from the start date, online and by downloading course lessons in .PDF format, fully in accordance with this agreement. 

Reproduction of Site Elements

Material found on this site, including graphic elements, may not be used or reproduced for commercial purposes without the prior written consent of Toddington International Inc.

Individual graphic elements of this site, including the Toddington International Inc. logo, may not be incorporated for use in commercial or non-commercial documentation without our prior written consent.

Free-of-charge material available on this site in Adobe Acrobat Reader (PDF) format may be reproduced or redistributed for non-commercial purposes, providing Toddington International Inc. is acknowledged as the source, and due diligence is exercised in ensuring the accuracy of the materials reproduced.

Reproduction and Copying of Course Materials

Course material, or any portion thereof, in any format including audio, visual, PDF, graphical and text, may be downloaded and printed for non-commercial purposes by the user for their sole use, however copying or redistribution of course material is not permitted under any circumstances.

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Disclaimer

Please note that our courses do NOT provide guidance on law and legislation relating to information gathered during the course of an online investigation.

Please ensure that you are familiar with appropriate legislation governing collection, analysis, dissemination, and storage of information obtained online relating to individuals, groups, and organizations prior to proceeding with any online investigation.

Toddington International Inc. accepts no responsibility for instructions contained within the course material which are applied inappropriately or contrary to the law, legislation, or guidelines governing your organization, country, or region.

Distance Learning Benefits

• Distance learning combines comprehensive knowledge with the convenience of accessing course material from any computer, at any location, at any time.

• Students receive all the benefits of personal tuition, without detriment to personal or business commitments or negatively impacting workloads.

• Launched in 1998, our highly acclaimed online courses have been successfully completed by over six thousand investigators worldwide.

• Continually updated course material, responsive communication, and value for money guarantee your satisfaction and ensure that we remain unsurpassed in our worldwide reputation.

• The success of every student is our priority and we work diligently to produce and maintain the very best course material, and present this in a format that is enjoyable, interesting, and easy to learn.

• Introducing essential tools and techniques for all investigators, our online courses provide the skills to effectively and efficiently use the Internet to successfully conduct online research, intelligence gathering, investigations and risk assessments.

• Our extensive experience in the areas of online investigation and course delivery allows us to focus on developing the expertise you need to locate accurate, productive information in a timely manner.

• For a fraction of the cost of a classroom-based training course, our flexible and interactive virtual classroom environment allows candidates to progress at their own pace and competency level, with a qualified personal instructor on hand at all times to ensure student success.

Our Committment to You

• All course material can be downloaded and is yours to keep at the end of the course, providing extensive reference material to assist you in future investigations.

• A free one-year subscription to our Premium Resources Knowledge Base at the time of registration.
  

• Interactive message forums, live Skype chat sessions, telephone, and video access to your course instructor are all included in our virtual classroom environment, allowing students immediate assistance from other students or our team of industry experts at a moment's notice.

• All students automatically receive access to our exclusive Online Research and Intelligence Newsletter, containing valuable industry-relevant information and case law, and the very latest innovative tools and techniques to assist you in maintaining and updating the knowledge you gain throughout the course.

• Students will understand the benefits of, and have unlimited access to, our extensive cache of resources and links for locating valuable online intelligence.

• Unlimited access to our widely used "cheat sheets;" these essential tactical and strategic collection, collation and analysis templates can be freely utilized for all online investigations.

• Access to our global Twitter network where valuable online research resources and insights are shared daily by our team of experts.