Book / courseUsing books for delivering of learning content seems old-fashioned. But still, a lot of learners appreciate to have a physical object to read from or to look things up in. A book gives the images of a defined set of knowledge that can be managed and finished. This contrasts with web resources that seem to be "never ending". The use of books seems to give added value to the content.
Learning from a book is a non-synchronized activity. It is one-way communication of collective content. You can read it in any order. It is a typical way of pulled learning, where the initiative lays with the learner who receives no feedback. Learning is as intensive as the learner wants. The learner needs to have the book to access the content. Books are difficult to adapt, and cannot contain video, audio, or interactive tools.
A book supports face-to-face training and provides the opportunity to re-read the content in another format, providing new insights. During training on the floor, a book is useful as a reference when discussing issues on the floor. It can also support the mentor that is training the learner.
WebsiteWebsites are useful for informal learning, because they reach a wide audience without any intervention of the content provider. They can help spread the news and create support in the working field.
Learning from a website is a non-synchronized activity, it is one-way communication of collective content. You can read it in any order. It is a typical example of pulled learning, where the initiative lays with the learner who receives no feedback. Learning is as intensive as the learner wants. The learner needs to have Internet access and a computer to access the content. Websites are easy to adapt and can contain video, audio, or interactive tools.
During training on the floor, websites are useful as a reference when discussing issues on the floor. They can also support the mentor that is training the learner.
Learning platformA learning platform is a sophisticated website, that integrates different types of content, tools, and evaluation methods. The learner is identified by a login and his/her activity can be monitored. A teacher can give feedback within the platform. Learners can follow the foreseen learning path, but also look up information when necessary.
The use of E-learning is NOT less work, not for the teacher, nor for the learner. It is not less intensive or cheaper, but it is more flexible and easier to combine with work. The organisation of learning with a learning platform is easier, because it is time and place independent. It is less time consuming in the sense that no indirect time is wasted on transport or waiting.
Learning platforms are useful for formal learning and supporting in practice learning. They form a flexible way to support classical teaching as well as hands on training, where they can also support the mentor.
Learning from a learning platform is a non-synchronized activity, but it allows two-way (non-synchronised) communication. It contains collective content. You can either steer the reading or the learners can read it in any order. It is a typical way of pulled learning, where the initiative lays with the learner who can receive feedback. Learning is as intensive as the learner wants. The learner needs to have Internet access and a computer to access the content. Learning platforms are easy to adapt and can contain video, audio, or interactive tools.
Ideally, the content of a learning platform is built up out of small elements that only ask for a minimum of time to "consume". This means the learner only needs a short focus, which generates a high impact.
Micro learningMicro learning is an alternative way of E-learning. The learner receives (on a smartphone or other device) small bits of learning content (5 to 10 min. of learning) on a regular base. This can include text, video, or activities. At the end of each block, the learner answers questions. If the answers are not satisfactory, the block returns after a while. If they are satisfactory, only some questions return as rehearsal at the end of a larger whole.
Micro learning is a non-synchronized pushed learning activity, with two-way communication. The individual content is steered and the initiative lies partly with the teacher, even if this can be largely automated. The learner gets feedback, which can be partly automated. The activity is as intensive as the learner wants, but it is steered and can be followed up by the teacher. The learner needs Internet and a smartphone or computer. The content is easy to adapt and can contain video, audio, or interactive tools.
Blended learningIn most learning situations, there is not one single best method to bring the content to the learners. Different subjects or practices need a different approach, or even better, a combination of approaches. This what we call blended learning.
A competence will need an introduction, training, and repeating till it is mastered by the learner. These different methods can be supported by reading text of watching videos.
A knowledge block like "Five steps to reduce risk" will require deep understanding, based on face-to-face introduction and discussion. After this, learners can look independently at examples and complete exercises to deepen the understanding and apply what they have learned.
Other knowledge blocks may be studied completely online, without any interference of the teacher. To remember the meaning of different signs, you don't need valuable face-to-face time. It is probably more effective to rehearse them in the format of a quiz or game.
Blended learning can be organised in a sequence of different types of learning. For example, the learner first prepares by reading a text in the textbook, then there is a face-to-face teaching session to deepen the understanding. The advantage is that the learners already have been introduced to the subject, so the teachers can start with the discussion immediately. After this session, learners can practice online and answer rehearsal questions. Again, the teachers gain valuable time, that can be used to support learners. A secondary advantage of using different methods is that it keeps learners fresh and motivated.
It is up to you now!It is up to you now! We hope we created a useful tool to improve safety in the working field and to level-up the health and safety awareness. It is up to you now to use to content, choose a method that fits your audience, and choose the medium that fits your situation.
We are very interested in hearing from you how you implemented all this and how we could improve. Please give us feedback!