Selecting Distance Learning Technologies

For this week’s application assignment, I chose the Example 3: Asynchronous Training scenario with the safety training modules for the biodiesel manufacturing plant.  As an entire ID project, content can be delivered through video presentations and flash simulations, as well as in print with diagrams and text for hands-on references.  Assessments and interactive components could be included with discussion boards or blogs, online quizzes (since the content is mostly procedurally based), and interactive flash simulations that the employees can manipulate instead of practicing on real machinery with real consequences while learning.  Employee progress can be tracked by supervisors through the use of a course management system.

As the training is about safety, the learning environment, including learner practice and assessment must also be safe.  In order to provide that type of environment to the employees at the biodiesel manufacturing plant, I believe the best solution is to use online simulations for the employees to interact with, practice their skills, and be tested.  The Training Pro 3D company provides industries, such as the manufacturing industry, with three dimensional simulations for training purposes (http://www.trainingpro3d.com).  As stated on their services website, simulation training provides “a more hands-on experience without putting any of them in danger” (http://trainingpro3d.com).   Medical fields also use virtual simulations for training purposes.  Although more community based, the Play2train websites provide simulations for educators and medical personnel to test their responses in emergency situations situations (http://play2train.us/wordpress/).  Using simulations or other problem-based activities challenges the learner with authentic real-life scenarios (Simonson, Smaldino, Albright, and Zvacek, 2012).

To efficiently track and monitor employee progress, I suggest that a comprehensive course management system (CMS) be employed.  A CMS can host all of the elements of the training modules online, which would provide access around the clock to all of the shifts of workers at the plant.  A CMS can also track employee’s progress on module activities, such as quizzes on procedural material or results from the virtual simulations.  Course management systems help corporations by aiding in the administrative duties of training, from tracking progress, and making assignments to hosting learner activities and increasing the accessibility by being online (Simonson et al, 2012).  There are many institutions and companies that utilize CMS software for their employees and clients.  One popular CMS is Blackboard (www.blackboard.com).  Blackboard has been used by educational institutions, corporations, associations, government agencies and the military (www.blackboard.com).  Another popular CMS is one we have studied this week; Moodle (www.moodle.org).  Although the software comes without its own hosting capabilities, Moodle is a very versatile CMS.  I have used both Blackboard and Moodle in recent years.  I used Blackboard as a student and used Moodle as a teacher of a web-facilitated course.

References

Simonson, M., Smaldino, S., Albright, M., & Zvacek, S. (2012). Teaching and learning at a distance: Foundations of distance education (5^th ed.). Boston, MA: Pearson Education, Inc.