Faculty of Automotive, Aeroskills, Transport and Logistics E-Learning case study 1 Semester

The Automotive Section at Campbelltown TAFE

Once upon a time when the world was in black and white the closest thing they had to e- learning was this old overhead projector.

Then in 2004 someone came up with the idea of setting up these multimedia trolleys.

Four of these units were set up complete with data projector, DVD / Video combo unit, Desktop PC with monitor and powered speakers.

And as you can see the teachers were very happy about it?

Initially there was some reluctance to move to this new fangled technology and most days you had a choice of four trolleys to choose from. “You had to learning about computers and PowerPoint just to make the thing work”. But as staff retired and new staff arrived things began to change. Now that everyone is using PowerPoint and multimedia presentations you have to book a trolley in advance for your lesson.

In 2008 the arrival of two Interactive White Boards (smartboards) into the section took the pressure off the multimedia trolleys.

Now the teachers are really happy about it.

What they needed to cheer them up was access to more e-learning equipment. Multi media projector Wireless slate Laptop computer Stereo headset Lumens visualiser Webcam

And access to the new computer laboratory.

The new computer laboratory.

The section now boasts an impressive collection of e-learning resources, including; Two smartboards with access to a third (and potentially more coming). Networked PCs in every classroom with ready access to a state of the art computer laboratory housing twenty workstations and a smartboard. Three mobile multimedia trolleys – one of the projectors died so the fourth trolley was disbanded. Four laptop computers. One compact multimedia projector. One tripod mounted webcam. One digital camera. One flatbed scanner. State of the art PC based automotive diagnostic equipment complete with bluetooth technology.

In addition to these physical resources the section now has access to the following software applications; CDX Plus – a comprehensive online automotive reference site complete with videos, workshop activity sheets, interactive electrical laboratory andsample assessments. Repco Autotech – a comprehensive and up to the minute database providing information on Engine management systems, Timing belt installation, Wheel alignment specifications and general vehicle service information. Boyce - a database of service information including vehicle service schedules, lubricant specifications and general service information. Caltex – another database of vehicle service information and lubricant specifications. The Microsoft suite of software. Youtube downloader and Moyea FLV player software. Photo Story 3 – for the preparation of slide shows.

The physical and human resources of the section include the following; Two general purpose classrooms. Three systems laboratories covering mechanical, electrical and fuel systems. Access to a twenty workstation computer laboratory. A general purpose automotive workshop. Six full time teaching staff (including the head teacher). Six part time teaching staff. One clerical support officer. One general assistant / stores officer.

In semester the Campbelltown Automotive section; Implemented the Telstra SMS software for student alerts. Successfully introduced the new TPD (Teacher Program Diary) system to all staff across the section. Expanded the use of CDX Plus across the section. Experimented with the tools in the e-learning kit. Produced a trial video using the POV glasses. Developed a trial audio slide show using Photo Story 3 software. Investigated the use of an iPod in the classroom including music and the video and slideshow mentioned above. Explored the potential of mobile phone technology in the classroom including capturing video and still images in the workshop and transferring them to a PC via bluetooth. Set up their own SharePoint site and started discussions on what to migrate to it.

In semester the Campbelltown Automotive section plans to; Complete the migration of data across to their SharePoint site. Continue to expand the use of the CDX Plus site. Increase the usage of the computer laboratory. Expand staff awareness and use of Faculty Wiki and Moodle sites. Increase the number and use of the networked PCs in the classrooms.

Thank you for your attention. Peter ZIFOVICH Faculty e-learning mentor June 2009