Welcome to the first entry of the Blended Learning Instructor Portal Blog. The Electrical Training ALLIANCE (previously known as the NJATC) has been developing and BETA testing the new Blended Learning approach for the Inside Apprenticeship Curriculum since 2011. Twenty-one JATC training centers have been testing the Blended Learning approach. In our case, Blended Learning combines three major elements: (1) an Active Learning Classroom; (2) On-line homework activities with the LMS, and (3) Both Physical and virtual Labs.
Blended Learning is the overall concept of training. As you see from above, there are three major elements of Blended Learning and all three must be implemented in the highest detail to achieve the optimum level of training for our apprentices.
It is easy to just focus on the on-line LMS (Learning Management System) because it is a completely new method to homework. You will find it offers much more than the workbooks…it includes media (videos, animations, etc.), simulators, active circuits demonstrations, etc. And now it offers you as the instructor information, through reports, how well the apprentices are grasping the content. These reports will allow you to be better prepared for the next class meeting. We certainly will blog a lot on using reports.
But, please be very mindful of utilizing an ACTIVE LEARNING CLASSROOM approach at your training center. One-way lecture is out the window…it is low on the retention rate for the student. The Active Learning approach is combining a lecture period with an interactive period. Learning retention is high when a student has to do on their own…work through problems both solo and in teams…and then reporting back to the class. In fact, breaking into groups also allows different levels of classroom projects. Let’s say some of the apprentices are well prepared and understand the topic…then group them on something advanced. And at the same time group the apprentices that haven’t quite grasp the topic yet and focus with them. Yes, we will be blogging a lot about achieving an Active Classroom…maybe a new layout of classroom equipment (with wheels) is needed at your training center. Visit the resource URL of the image below…it contains excellent articles about Innovative Instructors.
Resource: http://ii.library.jhu.edu/category/activelearning/
Of course nothing is as valuable as On-the-Job Training (OJT), but we all know that today’s competitive bids simply don’t allow for the full range of OJT that we once enjoyed many years ago. The OJT has to be supplemented with hands-on activities in the training center. We truly believe if you implement the Active Classroom utilizing the reports for covering just the parts of homework needed to be reviewed, and then more time will become available to work in your physical labs and to implement additional training (i.e. certifications).
Please note that apprenticeship training will be enhanced above our competition without a doubt if you promote Blended Learning at your training center. Yes, it will take a few months of a learning curve; yes, it will take extra time as you learn how to utilize the LMS reports and develop customize lesson plans for this moment in time; yes, you will have to learn how to use technology that has not been available before…but just a few months down the road you will look back and see the improved difference in how the apprentices understand our industry. Out with the old approach and in with the new will only be successful if your mindset is energetic and electrifying with your apprentices…pump them up to training.
Finally, if you have not completed the modules of the “LMS Instructor Course” then do so ASAP. These modules will provide you with the details of the LMS and the Active Classroom approach. On the homepage of the Blended Learning Instructor Portal there is a button labelled “LMS Instructor Course”. We will continue to blog to you the latest ideas and new features that may not be in the modules of this course.
Again, on behalf of all of us here at the Electrical Training ALLIANCE, thanks for reading our first blog.
Director of Inside Curriculum and Electronic Media