civil train

CIVIL TRAIN ONLINE TRAINING SYSTEM TO SERVE YOU BETTER

In July 2021, Civil Train started delivering online assessments utilising the AXcelerate learning management system. Since January 2022, Civil Train has completed over 1500 online assessment activities.

WHAT IS ONLINE ASSESSMENT?

Online assessment is simply the process of conducting assessments online in a specific area of training. In recent times, online assessments tools have been developed to service various organisations and educators who deliver training. The transition to online assessment has been accelerated by

A CIVIL TRAIN STUDENT COMPLETING AN ONLINE TASK COVID-19 – with organisations switching partially or completely to the online platform to deliver training and assessment. When implemented properly and appropriately, both the trainers and trainees will benefit, with the advantages outweighing the disadvantages.

HOW ARE WE DOING THIS?

Our trainers are responsible for developing the assessments. On completion of this process, the instructional designer will convert them into an online format. The training administrators can then assign and release the online assessments to the scheduled courses.

Currently, the two main types of assessments on offer are Knowledge and Performance Assessments.

KNOWLEDGE ASSESSMENTS:

About 50% of the assessment is currently marked by the trainer and the rest by the system. It usually contains easy to manage responses from the trainees which are system marked such as multiple-choice questions, True or False questions, ordering, and labelling an image. Adding a label is one of the question types that assesses student knowledge.

ADDING A LABEL IS ONE OF THE QUESTION TYPES THAT ASSESSES STUDENT KNOWLEDGE

PERFORMANCE ASSESSMENTS:

With the use of an online observation checklist, trainers can assess a student’s practical task performance in real time, and concurrently capture photo and video evidence as well as electronic signature authentication.

Submitted assessments automatically appear in the instructors’ portal for marking. Once marked, the learner is able to review the marked assessment and allowed a second attempt if the first attempt was not satisfactory. Instructors mark the assessment using an easy to use interface.

CIVIL TRAIN INSTRUCTOR ASSESSING A STUDENT AT A LIVE SITE

ASSESSMENTS ARE SIGNED ELECTRONICALLY MARKING AN ASSESSMENT USING THE INSTRUCTOR’S PORTAL

WHY USE IT?

Civil Train

Civil Train is constantly evolving its approach to training delivery in response to industry needs. We are working to go paperless and optimise our time and human resources by delivering training online. More secure, online activities can negate the loss of hard copies of exam papers. By doing things online, we can create and set up assessments, mark and deliver results quickly. Trainers can use the time freed up to run longer practical sessions like teaching trainees learn tasks on the simulator or practise on machines at live sites. Time is also not wasted in administrative tasks through the automation of manual processing. By saving on paper and paperwork (photocopying and not needing to print exam papers) conducting online assessments is naturally more environmentally friendly. Our instructors also have more options to present their assessments – questions can be posted in video format or include interactive activities like drag and drop, or mark specific areas in a picture to add interest to the way content is presented. Data is securely protected and assessment reports can provide trainers with useful information of the participants to help enhance student engagement and performance. Instructors can also check on the status of the assessment underway, the number of responses completed or submitted, and the number of those submitted that has been marked. And even track on the progress and number of attempts made by the trainees.

All these can help to provide insights and reshape the way these assessments are designed and tailored to better suit specific purposes.

Civil Train Trainees

A trainee can attend training via web meeting and submit assignments remotely. This is especially important for regional participants as training can be conducted over a greater geographical area. For trainees who have issues attending in-person training (issues like illness, disability, special needs etc.) going online could be the answer.

With many young trainees already well versed with using mobile devices, Civil Train’s conversion to an online platform is the obvious choice.

WHAT WERE THE INITIAL CHALLENGES?

Initially, the trainers were repeatedly asked by the trainees to help with logging into the system to access content. An induction course is now in development to help our trainees get started with online assessments seamlessly. It will be available to anyone who has registered for training. The other drawback of this system is the resistance to change from participants or trainers who may feel more comfortable using pen and paper. In places where internet connection is unreliable, this could be a real problem. Fortunately, most of our trainees are at CCF SA to attend the assessments.

WHAT DO OUR TRAINERS THINK OF THIS WAY OF DELIVERING TRAINING?

"I think it’s good being able to access all assessments in one place and having that control over Cert III learners with the touch of a button." Daniel Cardellini

"It’s excellent especially for regional and Cert III training. I can’t really fault it! The long-term benefits – cost effectiveness, cheaper… trainer’s time can be more focused on doing onsite assessments. This is an absolute game changer and for now, we’re the only RTO in civil construction doing it. Trainers don’t have to come back to office to prepare work (like printing) and the staff here can easily support me even when I’m away in Port Lincoln. Speeds up the processes a lot. I also don’t have to worry about the paperwork I used to store in my car getting lost now. We’re still learning to improve the system, things are getting streamlined – a task that used to take 45 minutes may now take only 3 minutes. Going forward, our processes need to be more dynamic. We also have to make sure everyone has internet access and we’re working on it! One option is to use a dongle to help give internet access in regional locations. The good thing is, we’re flexible to adapt and overcome our initial problems. All said, this is the way to go, and we’re well ahead!" Neil Liddelow (Lidds)

THE NEXT STEP

With the advantages far outweighing the cons, the obvious way forward for Civil Train has already started. We hope to be operating online completely by this time next year!

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AXcelerate Client Portal: Timetable Report

Civil Train has created an easy step-by-step video tutorial so you can learn how to generate a timetable report for your students or clients using your client portal!

Scan the QR code below to watch the tutorial on YouTube. If you don’t have a client portal, or would like more information, call one of our friendly staff on (08) 8111 8000