Whilst managing training organisations I was very keen to use the latest in technology to assist in the learning process. The organisational demands of industry and shift workers also put pressure on training timeframes for the learning. E-learning started to play a key role as opposed to traditional ‘classroom’ methods. This didn’t mean everything was done via electronic means, it just meant there was a blend of different ways to get the point across to be ‘smarter’ and more ‘efficient’.
Sometimes it can be really difficult to provide blocked out training for staff, so coming up with a solution that suited the shifts and urgent needs of industry was key. To have maximum impact in your training you still need to incorporate the group work in a classroom setting, as well as including other IT tools such as e-learning, videos, blogs or forums. Employees use the concepts they have learned the theory of and apply them to real world situations, such as adjusting time systems to satisfy customer demand. Certain practical tasks will still need to be taught and assessed ‘on-the-job’.
A keen favourite of mine was simulated training which enabled up-skilling of staff taking away some of the risk of practising in the “real world”. Simulation and e-learning allows learners to be autonomous, assisting industry, and also provides learning’s in literacy and numeracy . E-learning and simulation can be a very effective way to gain recognition of prior learning (RPL) for qualifications.
With funding available via the Australian Flexible Learning Framework (Framework) RTOs are using e-learning and simulated training more and more. Check it out to see how it may be able to assist you in your industry area.