From my perspective, an opportunity exists to utilize distance education (D.E.) technologies to enhance the training of drinking water operators across Ontario. This artefact reviewed various distance education technologies and their potential applicability in the delivery of the course called “Entry-Level Course for Drinking Water Operators”, managed by the Walkerton Clean Water Centre (WCWC).

Proposal for Distance Education Technological Enhancement to Drinking Water Operator Training Course

I had significant experience in delivering training to operators in the past, further I had also the management experience related to having my staff attend what I would  classify as average learning experiences at significant expense to the organization. I viewed there was opportunity to utilize distance education technology to augment the existing psychomotor skills portion still required for this type of occupation (i.e. face to face educational experience).

The focus is to replace a specific amount of face to face instruction with a distance learning experience and as such the course would be augmented with Distance Education technology. There will be a requirement for some face to face learning, working in a small group with an instructor, demonstrating practical knowledge and skills, while attempting to minimize the time away from the workplace and impact to the employer.

Three (3) distance education technologies were reviewed to determine whether they could be successfully deployed at WCWC:

1.   computer assisted instruction,

2.   podcasting,

3.   learner management system.

I have had much experience at developing business proposals and cases in order to "sell" an idea. This exercise enabled me to use analysis tools to express the objectives and potential opportunities in an effective manner. The analysis suggested that these technologies would be viable and applicable given the context of the learning situation; the content to be learned; and students learning preferences or experiences.

Competency Categories Exhibited - 

1. Problem Solving, Analysis, & Decision Making

2. Instructional Design & Development

3. Communication Technologies & Networking