Traditional vs. Virtual Training: The Battles rages on as technology evolves
I&I read this article in the American Society for Quality e-zine and thought it raised some interesting questions as well as providing a framework for both individuals and organisations to consider.
Traditional or Virtual: Which classroom to choose? It’s a decision that’s simultaneously becoming easier and more difficult to make. Since virtual classrooms and other e-learning burst on to the professional development scene, shrinking budgets and time have made this less expensive, less time consuming option much more appealing. But, as with anything new or different, questions arose. Was studying on a computer as effective as face-to-face time in a classroom?
As would be expected, as soon as a question is raised, the people behind the technology will make an effort to answer it. One such fix is the software Second Life®, currently used in colleges and universities across the United States. Second Life® began in the gaming world as a 3-D virtual reality world created and controlled by "residents."Second Life® soon developed an educational offering called Second Life Grid™.
The advantage of this grid is that instructors and trainers can create the world students and trainees interact in. Creators and proponents of the technology state that this virtual world is a perfect place to simulate the real- world situations students and workers face. Simulations are very difficult, if not impossible, to conduct in a traditional classroom, making this technology very advantageous for this teaching method. However, a recent US News and World Report story on virtual classrooms in higher education reported that evidence infers that students’ activity on Second Life® "may be more playful than pedagogical."
With e-learning gaining momentum in professional development, it is also expected to grow in prominence in the coming years. When choosing training it is very important to consider the course delivery method. Saving money shouldn’t be the only reason. A couple of ideas have been suggested to consider that will help you choose the right training and get the most out of your time, energy, and money.
Refreshing your knowledge base—Sometimes you just need a refresher to make sure you’re up-to-date with all the knowledge. In that case, think about an e-learning where drill and practice is stressed. There’s no need to invest time and money in a traditional course. Do it on your own time.
Advancing a skill set—Developing new skills are a must. In this case, depending on the skill, a traditional classroom could be a true advantage. Having the class time to ask questions and receive immediate feedback is hard to replace. However, here again, your current knowledge comes into play. If you prefer to learn on your own time—whether that means skim through what you already know or take extra time to ensure you get it—perhaps an e-course with plenty of tutorials is for you. Or select a blended course where you’ll receive classroom instruction along with tutorials or a webinar.
New skill set—This is where it is difficult to argue with good, old- fashioned fashion classroom learning. But, there probably are plenty of arguments out there.
So, the answer to the question, "Traditional or Virtual: Which classroom to choose?" is: It depends what you want to learn and how you want to learn. Look into various options, discuss the costs, and choose what’s right for you. It is your professional development.
Story sourced from www.asq.org
Turn that Poo into energy
Knetic Renewables Limited, a company offering a novel technology to convert animal waste into electricity, has signed agreements to set up renewable energy generators at a cattle feedlot, a food processing facility and two wastewater treatment plants. KRL says it will help industrial sites generate their own clean power and take some of the heat out of the food versus fuel debate.
KRL (http://www.kneticenergy.net/index.ews) said the key to its plant, designed by company MD Greg Paxton, is improving the efficiency of energy transfer, which cuts maintenance costs that have made other biomass conversion systems economically unviable.
“The technology involves the refinement of a power generating method that has existed for decades and produces hydrogen-rich gas as fuel for an electric generator,” Paxton said.
The plants enable operations such as feedlots and pulp mills to meet their own electricity requirements as well as contributing a solution to animal waste disposal problems.
“While use of solid animal waste as fuel is the primary focus of KRL, other renewable non-food-crop biofuels can be used with equal success,” said Paxton. “Our technology enables the production of modular generation facilities that can be rapidly deployed providing industrial operations, with the capability of producing their own energy, with any excess being fed into the national grid.”
The agreements are with a cattle feedlot and food processing facility in NSW and two wastewater treatment plants in Victoria. The company expects its generators to stand in proximity to rural communities in future, using sustainable forestry products and sewage system products to power up.
“With the development of the carbon abatement market, it becomes economically viable to bring in advanced technologies and build biomass power production systems in Australia,” said Paxton.
Robots as Lovers???
Romantic human-robot relationships are no longer the stuff of science fiction -- researchers expect them to become reality within four decades.
"I am talking about loving relationships about 40 years from now," David Levy, author of the book "Love + sex with robots", told AFP at an international conference held recently at the University of Maastricht.
"... when there are robots that have also emotions, personality, consciousness. They can talk to you, they can make you laugh. They can ... say they love you just like a human would say 'I love you', and say it as though they mean it ..."
Glen Moore of the Wollongong Science Centre and Planetarium (http://sciencecentre.uow.edu.au) passed this controversial article on to I&I. Not sure whether he was sending I&I a personal message! Extracts have only been printed here. If you want to read more including ethical and other aspects go to: http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2008/06/16/robot-lover.html
Business opportunities
I3net (Illawarra Innovative Industry network) reports that Bluescope Steel in Port Kembla has scheduled Number 5 Blast Furnace work from 1st March to 30th June 2009. It will be a 100 day project with 900 to 1,000 workers required.
Also NSW Tendering is offering business registration. Go to: http://tenders.nsw.gov.au/nsw/shared/help.cfm#step3b
From Sandy Haig, i3net network coordinator, i3net@i3net.com.au or www.i3net.com.au
Free consultations with IP Australia
Take advantage of the offer and clear your IP doubts.
IP Australia is offering free consultations every third Thursday of the month at the NSW Department of State and Regional Development’s Western Sydney Business Centre in North Parramatta. Businesses can discuss IP issues with Kelly Yule, IPA NSW Deputy State Office Manager. To book a meeting call 9249 5813 or email kelly.yule@ipaustralia.gov.au
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