Industrial web-based learning

This learning intranet site started with top level information for operators who were new to the work environment.

Information started with an overview, as shown above. Then operators could choose more detailed information from the menu on the left.

A similar principle was applied here to this intranet site, but the opening image was an animation so that the learner could see the whole process.

 

The click brought up a closer view of the animation so the learner could see how various parts of the machine worked together. The arrow buttons enabled them to scroll the animation forward and back, up and down.

 

CD ROM scenarios

In this project on Calming and Restraint a CD ROM was created because it had the advantage of more interactivity. The learner is faced with a series of video scenarios they must navigate through in order to calm a client with a challenging behaviour.

When the learner is ready to make a choice of action they click the Select button and an array of possible choices are displayed. Each choice and consequence is recorded and displayed to the learner at the end of the scenario.

After each choice the learner is faced with a consequence and the chance to make another choice to calm the situation. On the right of teh screen the learner can select from a series of tips to help them make a good choice: Look (for signs); Listen (for clues) or Call your supervisor.

 

In the top left is a mood barometer that indicates the client's level of distress. The barometer goes up and down depending on the last choice made by the learner. Below that is an option to read about non-aversive techniques, client triggers or to leave the scenario and try a new one.

 

Intranet/internet scenarios

Multiple choice questions can be dished up in a variety of ways, and what better way than a 'Shoot the Ship' game for new recruits in the Navy? The ships were each labeled with a letter matching the three options. The learner aimed and fired at the ship with the correct letter.

If they had made a correct choice the ship would explode. If a wrong answer the ship would sink. Again the score was recorded and fed back to the learner. High scores earned them 'promotion' up the ranks.

Learning was also delivered to Navy recruits in a scenario pick-a-path game. In this section they were having to deal with typical problems they might be presented with in their area. An audio option allowed them to listen to the person describing the problem, using all the emotion the learner might hear. The learner then had to extract the facts from the feelings and type them into a form.

In the next screen the facts they had written appeared for comparison with the an 'ideal' answer. They could then move on to the next leg in the scenario. At anytime they could bring up and refer to an applicable extract from Navy regulations.

 

 

Supplementary DVD training option

AMIDA, the training arm of Access Homehealth, had been grappling with the costs and inconvenience of bringing new support workers to central locations for training. They realised that distance was proving a barrier to learning and to quality control. They opted for DVD delivery because most people had access to DVD players no matter where they lived.

Unlike a CD ROM, the DVD menu had to be kept simple and linear. However, the DVD was designed to supplement existing hardcopy manuals and used a lot of video, voice-over, illustrations and diagrams as well as text to deliver the messages. In this section each Right is illustrated by acted audio to show how rights can be so easily eroded.

Video was varied as much as possible, with tutors talking to camera and demonstrating best practice. By involving tutors and staff the whole project gained a lot of buy-in.

Video was also used to create a couple of 'storylines' that emerged in each set of modules. The intention was that new support workers could see the potential in applying good practice and achieving results for their consumers.

 

Incorporating Train the Trainer

CD ROM resources for trainers were added to this project created for trainers to deliver Level 2 generic units on site.

The content of the NZQA Unit Standards ventured into areas some trainers may not have felt comfortable with. The trainers could also come across learning difficulties in their trainees. The Train the Trainer content was designed to help them assist trainees learn.

The opening screen for trainers (left) contained links to useful resources they could use in preparation or to help them adapt their teaching style to suit the group.

Each Module had a session timetable (above) that came up as a web page on their laptops with links to the additional material. Some links led to PowerPoint presentations, videos, or 'online' activities that trainees could participate in.

Suggestions on running short programs on improving workplace literacy or numeracy were included for the trainer. Additional resources could be printed off to help trainees with their literacy challenges. These were presented in a cartoon format.

 

The same cartoons were used elsewhere in the program so that the whole program felt integrated and didn't feel as if the literacy component was any different from the work on the NZQA Unit standards.

 

PowerPoints as resources

In this project to develop resources for competitive manufacturing, Edutech KM Ltd was chosen as the NZ half of the joint project and worked alongside an Australian partner. The project required the production of tutor and trainee manuals and PowerPoints for the tutor to use in face-to-face sessions.

 

A picture says a thousand words and was used in both a PowerPoint presentation and the manual. The PowerPoints and manuals led into assessment questions that were also designed by the two partners to reflect manufacturing activities on both sides of the ditch.

 

PowerPoint presentations don't have to be boring. They can use cartoons, too. This PowerPoint slide was used in the Level 2 course to generate discussion about all the actions an operator would have to take to minimise the risk to personnel, plant and the environment.

And this slide also uses minimal words to get across the message of the Health and Safety in Employment Act - eliminate, isolate or minimise the risk. In manuals the same principles of plain english apply. This is particularly important in writing procedures.