Asynchronous Training

Asynchronous Training

Scenario

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.

Distance Learning Solutions

Saba Learning Management System

This learning management system allows for delivery of learning modules precisely when and where the learners need it, and in the ways they like to work.

• Makes learning processes accessible through the applications used every day, including email-based processes, Web portals, and enterprise applications.
• Has easy visibility into all available knowledge assets, including courses and certifications, wikis, subject-matter experts, and more.
• Save learner time and effort through streamlined, point-and-click course/program registration and easily understandable views of program requirements.
• Optimize individual learner efforts through "My Success Plan," a personal single view for learners.

This system also simplifies life for learning administrators by providing flexibly in creating and efficiency in managing learning programs.

• Robust support for both simple and complex learning programs across multiple owners, instructors, and groups of learners
• Automated class creation and scheduling
• Automated distribution of eLearning materials
• Easy skills validation through Saba Learning's competency framework
• Centralized reporting

This system makes learning more cost-effective because it is affordable for organizations of all sizes.  It is extensively and easily configurable which allows it to conform to business needs without costly and time-consuming customization. The learning efficiencies created can lead to reduced operating costs, driving more money to the bottom line.  Saba's learning management product seamlessly weaves certifications, curriculum management, collaborative learning, social learning, content integration and mobile learning in a single integrated enterprise LMS.

Questionmark Perception 

This is an assessment management system that allows for measuring knowledge, skills and attitudes. This can be done securely for certification, regulatory compliance and successful learning outcomes.  It provides comprehensive assessment authoring, scheduling, delivery and reporting.

Create

Provides a collaborative authoring environment for learning professionals, educators, test publishers and subject matter experts (SMEs) to author questions and organize them into surveys, quizzes, tests and exams.

Delivery

o    Auto-sensing, auto-sizing: Author once and deliver via standard browsers on PCs or Macs, or to mobile devices such as Android and iOS smartphones and tablets.

o    Deliver via integration with other systems

o    Embed quizzes and surveys in wikis, blogs, portals or websites

o    Print assessments for scanning

o    Options for high-stakes exam delivery including secure browser, requiring monitor/proctor login, limiting dates and number of attempts.

Analyze

Offers numerous pre-defined reports that enable you to analyze and share results with stakeholders.

This scenario is very similar to the situation at my job.  These are the tools that we used to ensure technician proficiency.  Technicians have to take online modules on a recurring basis.  These modules have test at the end and the results are stored in the LMS.  We also use them to administer our certification program so we can prove to outside agencies that we a compliant with regulations.

 

References

Questionmark. (n.d.). Retrieved November 18, 2012 from https://www.questionmark.com/us/Pages/default.aspx

SABA. (n.d.). Retrieved November 18, 2012 from http://www.saba.com/learning-management-solution/

Distance Learning Mind Map

Defining Distance Learning

My initial definition of distance learning is learning that takes place away from the traditional classroom.  I was involved in a program called Navy College Program For Afloat College Education (NCPACE).  NCPACE offered sailors whose jobs required long periods out to sea learning opportunities from accredited post-secondary institutions. The objective of NCPACE is to provide shipboard personnel with educational opportunities comparable to those available to shore duty personnel.  The courses were delivered primarily using self-paced CD-ROM technology, since afloat conditions aboard deployed vessels preclude reliable and consistent internet access.

My initial definition took mostly distance into consideration but I have learned that time is also a factor.  My new definition based on this week’s resources is distance learning is formal education in which teacher, students, and resources (learning groups) are separated by geography and sometimes by time.  Technologies are used to link the learning groups together (Laureate Education, Inc., 2012).

While attending UNLV some of my classes were online.  We were pretty much only separated by the distance of not having to come to campus.  In my Walden classes I have had the experience of being classmates with students on the other side of the country and even in other countries.  This experience has helped change my view of distance learning.

Phipps & Merisotis (1999) stated, “It is important to understand what is meant by ‘distance learning.’ Because the technology is evolving, the definition of what distance learning is continues to change.”  The NCPACE classes I took were non-interactive correspondent classes.

My UNLV and Walden classes have recorded lectures as in NCPACE but also have weekly interaction with the instructor and other students.  I foresee distance learning progressing to incorporate new technology as it is developed.

My vision for distance learning is that it will incorporate the technology of Web 2.0 and Web 3.0.  I think there will be reluctance at first from the traditionalist but they will eventually come onboard.  We currently communicate with faculty and other students via e-mail, electronic forums, videoconferencing, chat rooms, bulletin boards, instant messaging and other forms of computer-based communication.  Web 2.0 technologies include social networking sites, blogs, wikis, video sharing sites, hosted services, web applications, mashups and folksonomies.  We use some of those in our Walden program.  Web 3.0 will include TV-quality open video, 3D simulations, augmented reality, human-constructed semantic standards, and pervasive broadband, wireless, and sensors.  We will use all of these methods to deliver classes.

References:

Laureate Education, Inc. (Producer). (2012). Distance Learning [DVD]. In Distance Education: The Next Generation. Baltimore, MD: Dr. Michael Simonson.

Phipps, R., & Merisotis, J. P. (1999, April). What’s the Difference? A review of contemporary research on the effectiveness of distance learning in higher education. Washington, DC: The Institute for Higher Education Policy.

Introduction

My wife and I have lived in Las Vegas since 2005.  We moved here after I retired from the US Navy after 20 years of service.

I am a curriculum developer for Varian Medical Systems.  The company produces hardware and software systems for the radiation oncology field.  I specialize in hardware systems.  Prior to this position with the company, I was a technical trainer for hardware systems.

In the Navy, I was a submarine electronics technician.  One of my assignments was instructor duty where I taught electronics theory and maintenance practices for high tech electronic systems.  That is also where I had my introduction to designing curriculum.  I have been hooked ever since.  I completed my undergrad in workforce education from UNLV and am now pursuing my masters in instructional design.

This is going to be very interesting because I want to move into the e-learning field.

My list of hobbies is extensive but can be classified as outdoor activities or athletics.  Hunting, camping, fishing, boating, jet skiing are at the top of the list.  I can watch all sports but enjoy participating in softball, golf, weightlifting, swimming, mountain biking and pool.