19 March 2009
TAFE trials new technology
Pilbara TAFE will soon be using virtual assessment tools to link lecturers with students in the workplace, thanks to new technology developed by an Australian company called edupov.
Lecturer Geoff Lubich explains the virtual aids incorporate videostreaming and audio via an online platform which gives lecturers the ability to connect to any classroom or workspace and provide real time feedback while students are performing a graded task.
"The beauty of this technology is that a lecturer can have a remote presence in the apprentice's or trainee's workplace without interfering in any way with productivity," says Geoff.
"Through a simple web-cam, I can project the mechanic's workshop back into my office and monitor an apprentice's actual performance on the job. I can provide set tasks, work through specific questions and see whether or not the student has the theoretical knowledge which underpins the practical part of the assessment. Because of the audio component, I'm able to talk through any problems or answer questions on the spot. Essentially, I can give the same level of support to a student in Hedland or Tom Price as I can to the one right in front of me in Karratha."
"It also allows me to save the file so I can view it later to provide more feedback or save it as a training resource for other students."
Hairdressing lecturer Michelle Ladyman is also trialling the ‘point-of-view' online system and agrees the set up has enormous potential.
"The fact you don't have to physically enter the workplace yet you can still observe a student's performance is redefining flexible training," she says.
"There's much less paperwork as it's all captured on video and employers who have seen the demonstrations are very receptive to the concept."
"It's also very user friendly. Students just open the program, focus the web-cam on the laptop and, with less than a second's delay, the broadcast comes direct from the salon to my computer on a private stream, whether I'm in the office or working remotely."
"And I don't have to observe it live either. If I'm in class at the time, the student can save the video to file and I can access it later to see if they've achieved the task they set out to do. As a training resource, it allows me to better manage multiple levels of delivery for a range of students in various locations around the region."
According to Geoff the system is still evolving, and will soon have the capacity for student groups to interact online with their lecturer or assessor.
"As this technology develops, the system will have even greater online capabilities," he explains.
"For training and education, the implications are enormous. TAFEs will be able to provide even greater customer service to local industry along with better client service for our students."
Pilbara TAFE will take the lead in trialling edupov technology in a range of industry areas.
For more information on Pilbara TAFE, contact 1300 240 344.
Media Contact: Kate Duff, Marketing & Communications
(08) 9159 6712
Kate.duff@pilbaratafe.wa.edu.au