Application: Blog—Selecting Distance Learning Technologies

Example 3: Asynchronous Training

In an effort to improve its poor safety record, a biodiesel manufacturing plant needs a series of safety training modules. These stand-alone modules must illustrate best practices on how to safely operate the many pieces of heavy machinery on the plant floor. The modules should involve step-by-step processes and the method of delivery needs to be available to all shifts at the plant. As well, the shift supervisors want to be sure the employees are engaged and can demonstrate their learning from the modules.


To deliver the safety training I think that chunking combined with distance learning technologies such as podcasts and instructional videos would be the best approach. Categorizing the equipment by application, area in the factory, job class (if necessary), etc. should allow for easier chunking of content. Also, the advantage of chunking is that it can be easily disseminated. Since there are more than likely various department and not every machine is used in all departments the organizational leaders of the plant can attempt to customize training specific to each department. Utilizing instructional videos and audio to deliver content would be the best approach. Online assessment tools or course management systems can help to organize content and monitor individuals progress. Individual podcasts can be developed and assigned to the employees to listen to. One way audio/video would allow for transportability of modules in media form such as DVD's or streaming video such as podcasts. “Podcasts have become a huge new information and entertainment option for Internet users” (Simonson, Smaldino, Albright, & Zvacek, 2009, pg. 97). File formats such as mpg3 and mpg4 are small files that lend themselves to transportability and are very cost efficient. Basic terminology or even spoken step by step procedures could be created and learners could prepare themselves for a hands on portion of training. Since it would not be feasible to bore the employees with a long lecture, short concept blocks allow for efficient and flexible training with minimization of work time. If this approach were to be used the plant would need to consider its technological resources and any kind of initial financial commitment that would be required. Also, any required employee training to use the podcasts would need to be considered.

Podcasts have proven to be successful in corporate training. For example, an initiative by McLean, VA based Capitol One. “The company wanted a training program that would allow users to learn at their own pace and free them from sitting in classrooms and at their computers.” (HR Specialists: Compensation & Benefits, 2009) The organization passed out iPods to employees so they could self-pace themselves through the training. Employees were happy with the approach and said it “was a worthwhile investment of their time.” (HR Specialists: Compensation & Benefits, 2009)

It would be important to include learner interaction. Providing a video that illustrates safe operation of the machinery while having actual pieces of equipment to follow along with engages the learners and efficiently delivers content. This technology could be made available to trainees through the use of the internal web within the plant or as DVD's. Offering the visual based instruction has many benefits for the learner. The need for face-to-face training can be fulfilled by providing a facilitator that leads the learner(s) through the video.

Instructional videos have also been successful. The Baylor University Medical Center published a study done by Brannon, T.S., et. al. in 2009 that analyzed the effect that instructional videos had when teaching parents infant cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Their results showed that students that learned procedures via an instructional video showed significant improvement in skills when compared to those that attended an instructor led class. Since in this scenario there is a set of skills that are to be learned instructional videos would also be a good technology choice to deliver the training. Preparing the trainees by introducing them to procedures and terminology associated with safety via podcasts and then viewing instructional videos keeps the training flexible, accessible and storable. The training can be delivered as many times as necessary and relatively easily maintained.




References

Simonson, M., Smaldino, S., Albright, M., & Zvacek, S. (2009). Teaching and learning at a distance: Foundations of distance education (4th ed.) Boston, MA: Pearson.

HR Specialists: Compensation & Benefits, . (2009, January 31). The 'ipod generation' soaks up employee training via podcasts. Business management daily, n.a.(n.a.), Retrieved from http://www.businessmanagementdaily.com/articles/6591/1/The-iPod-generation-soaks-up- employee-training-via-podcasts/Page1.html#

Brannon, T.S., White, L. Kilcrease, J.N., LaShawn, R.D.,Spillers, J.G., & Phelps, C.L. (2009, April). Use of instructional video to prepare parents for learning infant cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Baylor university medical proceedings, 22(2), Retrieved from http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2666859/