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.
As the instructional designer responsible for this program, one of the tools that I would implement in the development of this course is a Course Management System, like Course Site by Blackboard. CourseSite provides the instructor with the opportunity to create online courses where they have the ability to “add a web–based component to their courses, or even host an entire course on the Internet. You even choose your own URL, so students can find your page easily.” (Coursesites, 2012) It allows the instructor the option to create interactive e-learning platforms that allow for posting of course materials, videos, audio files, chat rooms, mobile learning access, lesson plans, collaboration and accessibility anytime and anywhere.
A second technology that I would incorporate into this program is the use of Adobe Captivate. Using this program would allow me the opportunity to incorporate simulated learning presentations, through virtual realities or prerecorded procedural videos, on the proper use of the equipment used throughout the plant. “The virtual worlds appear to have exciting potential for placing students in real-life applications of course content.” (Simonson, Smaldino, Michael, & Susan, 2012) My students could also watch videos that would present the proper safety procedures to follow on the plant floor, as well as watching videos that would present the procedures in the event of an accident. Adobe captivate could also create interactive assessments that would guide the student through the step-by-step process for completing and assuring they have mastered the skills needed for safely operating the machinery on the plant floor.
Finally, for this type of course the best teacher is a hands on program where the students can demonstrate, by doing, that they understand and have mastered the skills needed for successfully working the plant equipment.
References
Coursesites. (2012). Retrieved from Get the most powerful tools for your classroom: Week 3 Assignment
Simonson, M., Smaldino, S., Michael, A., & Susan, Z. (2012). Teaching and learning at a distance foundation of distance education (Vol. 5). Boston, MA: Pearson. Retrieved 09 11, 2012
