Selecting Distance Learning Technologies

 

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.

Many manufacturing plants have rotating shifts and are staffed 24-hours per day.  With this thought in mind, distance learning technologies need to be utilized to reach all affected workers.  Podcasts are a great resource and educational tool, “as they are easy to make and simple to edit” (Simonson, Smaldino, Albright & Zvacek, 2012, pg. 130), however, going one step further, creating a YouTube video and a YouTube channel allows workers the ability to watch on their timeline without having to download an MP3 to their choice of device.  The options are endless and many top universities already have a channel people can subscribe to, including Walden University. A YouTube video would contain a visual representation of the best practices and would show how to operate machinery safely; this could be view as many times as necessary. The New Mexico State University uses their YouTube channel to train employees on the best safety practices of dairy workers.  They created a series of videos “to be able to provide the tools to enable employees to perform job functions properly and safely” (Pehr, 2013).

 

Another online resource that can be used for training would be a Wiki. A wiki is “an excellent tool for collaborative online writing…and group activities compiling information in a single online resource” (Simonson, et al, 2012, pg. 129).  The employees would have flexible access to information and assessments. They can collaborate and complete scenarios individually or as part of a team.  This can also be used as a communication tool that can be updated with the latest developments and news within the company and industry.  “Companies such as Intel Corporation, Adobe and even NASA use wikis to provide ‘how to’ guides for their products…and to share information amongst employees” (Carter, 2012).

 

 

Resources

Carter, R. (2012, October 3). 3 uses for wikis in business. Richard Carter Consultancy. Retrieved May 21, 2014, from http://www.richardcarterconsultancy.com/2012/10/3-uses-for-wikis-in-business/

Pehr, D. (2013, December 5). NMSU's safety training video for dairy employees part of new YouTube Channel. NMSU News Center. Retrieved May 21, 2014, from http://newscenter.nmsu.edu/Articles/view/9927/nmsus-safety-training-video-for-dairy-employees-part-of-new-youtube-channel

 

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