Lift Technology by Distance Learning International Conference on Engineering Education 2005 Gliwice, Poland, 25-29 July 2005 Lift Technology by Distance Learning J. P. Adams J. P. Andrew S. Kaczmarczyk

Historic Development (Lift Industry) 1983 1987 1998 2000 Apprenticeship /Technician <1976 Future? Distance Learning NVQs MSc Foundation Degree VLE’s e-books ICEE 2005, Gliwice, Poland 25-29 July 2005

Relevance and Coherence Developed to meet industry needs through collaboration Provide opportunity for lifelong learning Develop both educational and skills requirements Clear coherence in terms of educational and training content Routes for incremental progression and career enhancement ICEE 2005, Gliwice, Poland 25-29 July 2005

Why Distance Learning? Ability to reach remote student cohort – particularly for a dynamic and diverse industry such as the lift industry Opportunity to offer a specialist subject which cannot realistically be offered locally Appropriate dissemination and assessment at all academic levels Shortcoming in not being able to offer practical experience already addressed by NVQ’s ICEE 2005, Gliwice, Poland 25-29 July 2005

Format of materials - 1 Predominantly text-based Equity of access Cost of production and ownership Portability Reference Text and Learning Packages Electronic (Internet) support via WebBoard Move towards CD-based materials – “web site on a disk” ICEE 2005, Gliwice, Poland 25-29 July 2005

Format of Materials - 2 Learning Packages split material into manageable chunks Clearly defined learning objectives and learning outcomes Links from LPs to more comprehensive reference text Use of good distance learning philosophy – fonts, colours, white space etc. ICEE 2005, Gliwice, Poland 25-29 July 2005

Assessment Timely and detailed feedback are an essential part of distance learning Self-assessment exercises Computer marked assignments Tutor marked assignments End of module tests taken at regional test centres ICEE 2005, Gliwice, Poland 25-29 July 2005

Self-assessment exercises Formative – no mark given At the end of each Learning Package Provide immediate feedback Comprehensive solution provided No tutor feedback, unless requested ICEE 2005, Gliwice, Poland 25-29 July 2005

Computer-Marked (Minor) Assignments Minor pieces of summative work – but detailed feedback Ability to test knowledge and understanding of a self-contained section of material Can be used as a marker to ensure that students are still engaging with the course Provides students with the opportunity for dialogue with their tutor if required ICEE 2005, Gliwice, Poland 25-29 July 2005

Sample CMA ICEE 2005, Gliwice, Poland 25-29 July 2005

Tutor-Marked (Major) Assignments Provide student with the opportunity to demonstrate their knowledge and understanding over a wider area of the course Provide the opportunity to develop key skills (e.g. problem solving, report writing, research etc.) Provide a means by which tutors can provide more detailed feedback May provide opportunity for students to develop practical skills ICEE 2005, Gliwice, Poland 25-29 July 2005

Tutorial Support Key part of distance learning provision Various forms: Front line tutors Specialist subject or module tutors Industrial supervisors or mentors, or other proficient work colleagues Self-help groups Use of bulletin board (Internet conferencing) ICEE 2005, Gliwice, Poland 25-29 July 2005

Web Board ICEE 2005, Gliwice, Poland 25-29 July 2005

Future Developments - 1 Pilot study using E-books Distribution on CD Enhancements in material (simulations, colour, multimedia) Cost (development and infrastructure) Hardware and software limitations Extended research study using Tablet PC Distribution on CD Indexed web-site format, and use of HTML/PDF files Does not necessarily require Internet access Does require access to computer Easier to distribute ICEE 2005, Gliwice, Poland 25-29 July 2005

Future Developments - 2 Managed Learning Environments Pilot studies using Learnwise, now replaced by Blackboard Provides enhanced learning experience (simulations, colour, multimedia, external links) High development cost for materials Cost of computer plus Internet access for students Not truly portable Live from September 2005 ICEE 2005, Gliwice, Poland 25-29 July 2005

Any Questions? ICEE 2005, Gliwice, Poland 25-29 July 2005