2009 Canadian e-Learning Conference Program

A Novel Approach for the Implementation of e-Learning in Automotive Apprenticeship Training

Session Title: A Novel Approach for the Implementation of e-Learning in Automotive Apprenticeship Training

Time & Date: 12:40 P.M. – 1:55 P.M., Wednesday, June 17, 2009

Location: Student Union Building (SUB) Partyroom

Session Description: Apprenticeship training has traditionally been implemented in a face-to-face classroom environment, but this approach is not suitable for all trainees and has resulted in 58% of registered apprentices having incomplete training. There are a variety of barriers to completion of automotive apprenticeship training. One involves a six to seven week absence from work per year of training resulting in financial pressure for both the employer and employee. Another is the lack of accessibility to training programs as many automotive apprentices are situated in regions of our province that do not have institutions offering the program, this leads to travel and accommodation concerns. These factors contribute to apprentices and employers delaying the training, often indefinitely (source: BC Industry Training Authority). To address these barriers, a training plan was developed to incorporate e-Learning into the apprenticeship program via a Learning Management System.

With the advent of this program came the realization that automotive apprentices are not typical academic learners for whom the majority online training has been developed. To address this, we developed several novel features to enhance the learner’s experience including: the use a redesigned web navigation system allowing for simple course navigation, visual icons allowing students to understand what is expected without large amounts of reading, audio components highlighting key points in topic sections, and webcasts featuring instructions on navigation of course content and a welcome message for students. This program provides features that will introduce online learning for automotive apprentices and the trades learner in general.

Conference Stream: Learning & Teaching

Session Format: Poster Presentation

Co-Presenter: Jason Devisser

Co-Presenter Bio: Jason Devisser is the Department Head of the Automotive Service Technician department at Vancouver Community College. Prior to his current role he taught for 5 years and worked in industry for 15.

Co-Presenter: Brett Griffiths

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