INCREASING INTEREST IN ONLINE TRAINING PLATFORM

4. Content for the training module material is identified and can include texts, previous training course material and presentations used in industry face-to-face training courses. A common language and definitions are encouraged throughout the industry.

5. Checks are made that the module content follows a logical order, and engages the learner. The module content is reviewed by a subject matter expert to ensure it is correct. Quiz questions are used throughout each module to reinforce the key learning objectives. A practical assessment checklist is provided to enable evaluation of members who have completed modules.

6.The module and assessment process are thoroughly tested prior to publication. Each learner must pass 100 per cent of safety questions and 80 per cent of general knowledge questions to complete the module.

During the latest project personnel from several milling companies were trained in how to use the platform to develop internal training courses. These are designed and approved to the company standards and their own milling procedures.

Each user of the LMS is linked to their company sub environment and has a unique login name and password.

“We are keen to see the whole industry use the platform, with all training in one place,” David Moller said.

To date the growing and harvesting sectors have not yet taken up use of the LMS. The opportunity to develop harvester, haul out, siding inductions, laboratory, safety and best practice courses online are possibilities for the non-milling sectors.

Using this platform you don’t need a registered training organisation licence to develop courses.

Each user’s login per year gives the user access to any number of courses that are available in that company’s environment and an infinite amount of time online.

“SRA funding has facilitated the development and implementation of online operator modules and we hope to continue the development of further modules in the areas of extraction, boilers, and laboratory procedures as further funding becomes available."

INCREASING INTEREST IN

ONLINE TRAINING PLATFORM

Mackay Sugar reports that more than 920 people have already completed training modules using the online LMS this year, up from 829 for the whole of last year.

development and experience the benefits of online training. Users enjoy having courses available that they can complete at their own pace and at whatever time suits them best.

“Our operator training consists of the completion of the basic online courses before a face-to-face training session. This gives the new operators a baseline knowledge of terminology and processes. This is a huge step to assist the trainer as it puts everyone on the same page at the start. The face-to-face training can then proceed at a much faster pace and be more effective. After the face-to-face training is completed we then follow up with more advanced online training, where required.

“We are also using the platform for various training courses which we design ourselves and import into the platform via a Shareable Content Object Reference Model.

Mackay Sugar’s Human Resources Advisor Charl Grobbelaar said the milling company expects to see a growth in the number of users every year as new packages are rolled out and employees continue to experience the benefits. “We have partnered with an external online training module platform to give us access to all types of online training content which we can deliver to specific employees on demand in order to satisfy individual development needs.

“Feedback from users has been very positive,” Charl said. “The internal courses we develop include the theory and assessment components of Authority to Operate (ATO) signoffs, inductions for employees and contractors, and more.”