ESITO proposes to build on our m-Learning  pilot and recognise the full potential of this technology through augmented classroom trials over an eighteen month period. The purpose is to identify a sustainable just-in-time delivery option for trainees, driving uptake and completion of national qualifications.  We would partner with key industry companies including asset owners.

The key objectives for this project are:

1. To investigate the potential and effectiveness of augmented classrooms, by providing targeted delivery at specific work sites, supporting training provided by both on-job and off-job trainers.
2. To support the trainee with oral delivery options through sound files or video streaming, on site, to better support their literacy language or numeracy needs.
3. To reduce the contact time for on-job trainers and increase the delivery time for trainees to increase productivity.
4. To provide “key learning points” at targeted sites for trainees to assist in reducing workplace incidents.
5. To drive the uptake and completion of National Qualifications by providing targeted just-in-time delivery, specific to unit standard requirements that will support workplace assessment requirements.
6. Monitor, document and evaluate the process with an outcome of developing an ‘Application of mobile technologies within the industry training environment model’.

In conjunction with our partner Globalnet ICT we are entering into trials with trainees on our Line Mechanic and Cable Jointer Pathways. We will continue to utilise the RFID technology .

Targeted learning
Targeted learning opportunites will be provided to trainees via site specific tags. This means that learning that is applicable for certain sites can be downloaded at that site and stored on the trainees phone, simply by swiping their phone across the tag. 

Just in Time (JIT) Learning
Once the trainee has downloaded the learning files these can be accessed at anytime. This enables the trainee to have an element of control over their learning environment and access the training on demand.

Reinforcement of "key learning points"
Whether the trainee has completed a block course or on job training, we can provide downloads of key learning points  to reinforce the learning. 

Mixed mode of delivery
Learning will be provided in a variety of ways. Trainees can access video files, sound files and text files. This consolidates our commitment to our literacy and numeracy strategy


Stage One

Update July 2010
The following videos are completed and endorsed.
- Pole Top Rescue
- Knots - Hitches
- Knots - Bowlines
- Knots - Splices
- Knots - Overhands

Update June 2010
18 trainees from eight companies have received their phones and completed training. Two South Island trainees will complete their training before the end of the month. Participating companies are a mixture of rural/ urban and North/ South Island companies. The trainee cohort has a good blend of experience and age. At all companies, a supervisor, manager or on-job trainer also took part in the initial training.

The first quarterly checks have been conducted with 10 trainees and feedback from these trainees has been very positive. The trainees have been very quick to embrace the technology and have had no issues using the phones. Due to the staggered start date of the cohort, quarterly checks are coming up and due by end June for the next batch and end July for the last batch. Ongoing monitoring on phone use and visits is planned. Group discussions are to be held in areas where there is more than one trainee (Whangarei, Auckland, Christchurch & Napier)

The first database upgrade is about to be rolled out. This upgrade will require the phones to be updated with a new midlet download. This will allow ESITO more control over when and what information to send to trainees. The administration of the database will be possible from the ESITO office. This will also allow trainees to use their phones, produce evidence and upload to an e-portfolio, e.g. photos and videos.

For further information on this project, please contact natalies@esito.org.nz


Update February 2010
The phones are working! Companies that expressed an interest in taking part in the pilot are being contacted to arrange training and hand over of the phones. A pre-evaluation questionnaire is filled out by each trainee before the phones are handed over. Each trainee is given full training on the use of the phones and support will be ongoing for any issues. Each file has a video, audio and text file with a quick quiz to support the learning. There will be monitoring of usage throughout the pilot.
Filming for the videos will be ongoing throughout the year to ensure that all information is current.

There are still a few spaces available to be part of the pilot - if your company is interested please contact natalies@esito.org.nz


Update September 2009
The following videos are completed and endorsed.
- Personal Fall & Arrest Systems
- Safe Ladder Use
- Basic PPE
- Glove Testing 

See example below



Update August 2009
Videos and supporting files are being viewed by selected Industry experts to ensure that the information is correct and accurate. Pre and post evaluation questionnaires are being worked on. Timetable around the training and implementation of phone use is being drafted.

Update June 2009
Trainees to participate in trial have been identified and training material is being developed. Training on the phones is to be carried out in July with pilot to commence late July/ early August.

Update March 2009
We are currently working with trainers to identify a series of key learning activities for the trial. Natalie will be contacting companies in order to identify trainees willing to participate in the trial. It is our intention to have the first version of downloads to our ICT partner by the end of April and then to have the trial commence June 09.

For further information on this project, please contact natalies@esito.org.nz or see this links below.