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

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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

8. 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

9. 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

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

11. 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

12. 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

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

14. 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

15. 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

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