Online Distance Learning for Operators and Engineers is the Easy Alternative

Social distancing due to Covid-19 is disrupting work processes everywhere, but one area that is significantly impacted, and yet critical to the future, is training. The classroom setting is not an alternative for the near future.  So how do you conduct effective and measurable training from a distance?

Working from Home

Working from home, WFH, has its challenges.  Whether because of interruptions from family members or pets, other competing responsibilities, the lack of resources, or the challenge of accessing critical systems and information, WFH during the pandemic results in less productivity.

One way of taking advantage of this new environment is to use opportunity for professional development. This can take the form of open access materials, like YouTube videos, professional reading, or online learning. But the question remains, how do you know if your employees are benefiting from these activities? Can you monitor progress, or get any objective feedback?

The challenges of distance learning include:

• Lack of support without the physical presence of an instructor
• Feeling of isolation
• Feedback
• Discipline
• Technology and learning curve

On Demand Options

Even before Coronavirus was added to our vocabulary, GSE had a robust platform for ad hoc training from any PC with an Internet connection and browser. EnVision on Demand (EOD) provides access to computer-based tutorials on a wide variety of technical topics relevant to operators, engineers and maintenance personnel. The platform can also deliver simulation models with Critical Thinking exercises to measure the students understanding of the concepts being presented.

Overcoming the Challenges

EOD allows for either instructor-led or instructor-less use of simulation models. Instructors at work or WFH can connect with numerous users, lead them through simulation exercise, interact with their individual simulation models, and provide guidance and assistance.

Feedback.  With embedded quizzes in the tutorials and critical thinking exercises with the simulation models, the student gets timely feedback on their understanding of the topics being covered. This also provides objective feedback to instructors to understand where students are struggling or add material to aid understanding of a particular concept.

Discipline.  Instructors can monitor the time students are spending in each tutorial chapter, track progress, and get test scores to ensure students are progressing. This also gives the instructor the opportunity to determine if there are challenges or roadblocks that can be removed for the student.

Technology. The cloud-delivery system provides easy access to both simulations and tutorials. Simulations come with a comprehensive help menu and video tours of the simulation features and functions.

Risk-free Trial

As our contribution to helping industry stay productive during these trying times, GSE has made a number of the tutorials from our library available at no cost for a limited time. This free trial will help organizations remain productive and continue training short term while evaluating whether EnVision, or another GSE service, would be a valuable addition to your technical training curriculum for flexible learning in the future.

To learn more about the free trial contact info@gses.com.