ELOTS+Case%20Study


 * Electronic Library on Touch Screen (ELOTS)**

media type="youtube" key="a12BC2_dm-I?fs=1" height="385" width="640" =Executive Summary =

=Background=

In many workplace contexts, there are significant barriers to learners being able to access electronic information sources. These include:


 * availability and access to PCs in the workplace is often very limited or non-existent for many workers. Contrary to common perceptions of modern workplaces, this is predominantly the case in many sectors including Local Government, Forestry and Manufacturing. Many employees in these sectors are therefore seriously disadvantaged in their ability to access or use electronic resources and information
 * many employees in the sectors identified above have very limited computer skills or knowledge and very little scope to acquire those skills in their vocational roles.

This is at a time when electronic information has become central to the operations of many enterprises including the implementation of safety, quality and training programs. In many cases, the inability of enterprises to communicate electronic information effectively, raises significant legal and compliance issues. The types of electronic information may include:


 * workplace procedures that identify workplace health and safety requirements, quality guidelines, product specifications and other information relevant to safe and efficient work practices
 * workplace policies relating to a wide range of industrial and administrative issues
 * safety information including hazard registers, dangerous goods registers and material safety data sheets (MSDS)
 * forms, checklists and reports
 * training information and videos.

The current means to address these information requirements are problematic for the following reasons:

producing and maintaining hard copy manuals is expensive, time consuming and resources intensive. This problem is exacerbated by the fact that information needs to be constantly updated. The distribution of hard copy information and manuals is the most common response to this problem by many enterprises. It is also widely acknowledged as unsatisfactory and inefficient. The development of low cost touch screen technology potentially offers an effective and viable alternative option. The advantages of touch screen technology to address the issues identified above include:
 * the capacity to build and maintain quality intranet sites is often limited to larger enterprises. Even then, access by workers is often limited by the availability of computers and the skills/knowledge to operate them effectively
 * producing and maintaining hard copy manuals is expensive, time consuming and resources intensive. This problem is exacerbated by the fact that information needs to be constantly updated. The distribution of hard copy information and manuals is the most common response to this problem by many enterprises. It is also widely acknowledged as unsatisfactory and inefficient.


 * set up costs are minimal in comparison to the costs of buying and maintaining computers and intranet networks
 * <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">information can be maintained and managed to ensure currency and accuracy at a much lower cost than maintaining hard copy information. For example, new files and updates can be simply uploaded onto the touch screen device in minutes
 * <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">given the development of a user friendly interface, all employees should be able to access electronic documents and data with a minimum of training.

=What was done=

<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">In the initial phase of the project, considerable effort went into identifying workplace needs and issues. This was used to guide the developmental process. The main outcome of this analysis was to adopt the design goal that, simplicity of use, had to be the guiding principle in the design and development of the interface.

<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">From that point onwards, the main issues became to identify and evaluate the best hardware and software options available. A major consideration in this was also cost in order to ensure the final product was going to be affordable to end users. Fortunately, it proved possible to address these issues in the early phase of the project.

<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">This allowed for a prototype touch screen to be installed relatively early in the project. The benefit of an extensive trialling period allowed a thorough evaluation of the prototype that then provided feedback on what improvements were required.

Key features of the system that was developed:
 * it's an easy-to-use interface that is graphical, rich and intuitive
 * easier-to update-content. The process is involves place PDF in folder
 * it’s a simple standalone appliance-like system and doesn’t need be integrated into a network
 * flexible display system. Because the display system is HTML-based, the system has been tested successfully on tablet computers such as the iPad and Android-based tablets.

=Benefits experienced by=

<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">There were many benefits accruing to both the employees and workplace as a result of this project:


 * <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">employees benefited directly by having easy access to current workplace information relevant to their jobs. Many workers are now accessing electronic information and using computers for the first time. For example, workers can now easily locate and print out forms directly instead of requiring assistance
 * <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">the employer has also benefited in a number of ways. The project has enabled them to address a number of important issues including safety compliance, access and equity issues and information management systems
 * <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">the Tasmanian Skills Instititute (TSI) has also gained enormous benefits from this project through the expertise it has acquired in the development and use of this technology. There is now a recognition of how this technology can be used and embedded in many future training projects to improve outcomes for all.

=Lessons learnt=

<span style="color: #000000; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">We were probably fortunate not to strike too many issues in this project that significantly delayed progress. However, factors that probably helped in this respect were:
 * <span style="color: #000000; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">clear and realistic goals and objectives in terms of process, product and outcomes
 * <span style="color: #000000; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">the benefits of a highly competent software developer who was integral to the team and able to contribute positively to every aspect of the project.

=The results=

The project has had the following results:


 * · development of a flexible touch screen interface that can be used on low cost, stand-alone touch screen computer to permit easy access to electronic information and data
 * · the project has provided a potential solution or strategy to deal with the fundamental problem of employees access to electronic information in workplace contexts where access to computers and IT skills are limited
 * · developmental work undertaken as part of this project has built capability within TSI and will have a wide range of applications across a range of workplace/industry contexts. Other workplaces have now recognised the value of the project and decided to adopt and invest in this technology.

=Project Outputs=
 * Download 'How to develop a similar project elsewhere' report[[file:10-ELOTS-How To v2.doc]][1.9MB Word]

=Framework connection=

The national training system’s E-learning Strategy, the Australian Flexible Learning Framework, funds and supports <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">E-learning Innovations projects which aim to embed e-learning into the national training system by supporting and enabling innovation in training design and delivery, at the state and territory level.

<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">Many forms of workplace documentation have direct relevance to workers undertaking nationally recognized training. This project has facilitated employee access to that information.

<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">In the delivery of any workplace based training and assessment, TSI would seek to customize delivery to reflect the requirements of both the enterprise and the specific job/task roles of learners. This is a critical in maximizing both the relevance and effectiveness of training and assessment to learners and the outcomes of the program to enterprises.

<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">The customizing and contextualization of programs therefore requires training and assessment to be referenced to enterprise policies, procedures and other documented processes that define accepted work practices in that enterprise.

<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">This project supports nationally recognized training and assessment through the development and delivery of customized programs and facilitating access by learners to the types of resources they will need to participate effectively.

<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">Training and assessment for all qualifications delivered in workplaces needs to reflect the current enterprise policies and procedures that directly relate to these units. Effective learner participation in the program therefore necessitates access to these resources by learners. The same case can be made for a wide range of specialist and operational units where training and assessment are directly related to relevant enterprise policies and procedures.

<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">This project supports access and equity for all participants through the application of touch screen technology to make relevant electronic information and resources accessible to all.

In engaging in this e-learning Innovations project, TSI built on the 2009 eFurn eLearning Innovations project, which focused on developing multimedia rich standard operating procedures, for use on a touch screen located in a campus based workshop. The ELTOS project built on the using touch screen technologies used in the project. This project took the concept of access to the new level by embedding the touch screen in a real (rather that simulated campus environment) workplace and providing a greater range of learning materials.

=Acknowledgement=

This is a Tasmanian <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">E-learning Innovations project output, developed by the Tasmanian Skills Institute and the Waratah Wynyard Council, with seed funding from the Framework.

=For more information=

For more information on the Australian Flexible Learning Framework: Phone: 07 3307 4700 Email: <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">enquiries@flexiblelearning.net.au <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Website: flexiblelearning.net.au