Technology Presentation E-Learning, hardware and the cloud

Introduction to session

• Background to Zodiac Training• Our recent changes• Technologies we use• Online Learning / Assessment• Learning Assistant Overview• Impact on our business• How we managed the change• Group Exercises

About Zodiac Training

• Zodiac Training have been delivering training, development and recruitment programmes since 1996 and have won numerous awards and accreditations over the years.

Over the past 2 years

• Review of current systems/processes/technology• Outline of project/technology/system requirements• Outline of project/technology/system goals• Detailed system blueprint/wireframes• Project plan• Potential technology/systems evaluated• Technology/System implementation• Project reviewed

Goals

SWOT

Strengths

Efficient

Visibility

Availability

Remote Access

Not bound by geography or time

Weaknesses

I don’t do computers

No Access

Ancillary Equipment

Opportunities

Wider Geographical area

Access more learners

Shift towards e-learning and assessment

Threats

Resistance to change

Start up costs

Risk

Technologies involved

• Laptops with Mobile Broadband- Visits out in the field where connection is not available.

• Blackberry’s- Email, appointments and calls

• Audio Recorders- Evidence gathering and guided discussions

• Digital Camera- Workplace evidence

Impact

• Reduced journeys to learners• Time spent with learner Optimised • Paper waste reduced• Better communication• Reduction in leavers

Key to managing our change

• Keeping all stakeholders involved at key stages• Gathering requirements from staff• Communicating reasons for change• Creating a support network• Efficient training put in place• Iterative/constant development

Future Objectives

• Catering for restrictive environments (Poor signal)

• Enabling Training Advisors without technical ability to create rich resources

• Reducing the number of devices involved

Example of use of technology

• iPad2 – Zodiac’s involvement in ‘The Learning Journey in Tablet Form’ - objectives- impact- moving forward

Future use of technology

• iPhone pilot internally – linked to Learning Assistant

• JISC Advance bid – exciting opportunity to further our technology offering….awaiting result!