In co-operation with the Bundestechnologiezentrum für Elektro- und Informationstechnik e.V. (BFE Oldenburg - Federal Technology Centre for Electrical Engineering and Information Technology, registered association), the company Diekmann Elektrotechnik based in Damme has implemented an online learning platform for apprentices.
On this learning platform, the apprentices can work through interactive, multi-media learning programmes on the topics of electrical engineering, control engineering and basics of technical mathematics.
Since learning matter has become increasingly extensive and complex especially in the electrical engineering and information technology crafts, e-learning provides excellent support during the apprenticeship and helps to augment vocational school classes. The apprentices very much appreciate this form of support. Young skilled labour are already well versed in using new media and online forums, working with computers and mobile devices.
The apprentices greatly value this medium all the more and use it for the following learning activities:
- Working through the interactive BFE learning software on the topics of "Basics of technical mathematics", "Basics of electrical engineering" and "Control engineering" in the virtual learning studio
- Using an electronic circuit simulator to design electrical circuits on the screen and immediately test them for plausibility
- Usage of the online forum on the learning platform for editing and review of homework from the vocational training school after every training school day and for discussion and exchange of experience.
- Online forum presented and organised by experienced staff and managing director Thorsten Diekmann
- Evaluation of learning progress
- Uploading of own project tasks, tutorials, documents and papers to the learning platform
Some apprentices have been known to log on even from home on the weekend or after work in order to work on the learning material or to repeat it.
The self-learning programmes are suitable for both newcomers and advanced students wishing to study or repeat the theoretical basics of electrical engineering in a clear and practice-oriented manner. All learning content is conveyed by spoken texts to avoid having to read longer texts on the screen. However, general principles, important formulas, abstracts and tasks are provided also in the form of on-screen texts. A large number of animations, videos and interactive features embedded in the learning programme are intended to increase the learning effect.
Knowledge tests take place during teaching the subject-matter and for any questions the student might have while completing a task, the programme responds with an according feedback. The learning programme is rounded off by a search function for the fast finding of terms used as well as by a function for updates via the internet.
As yet, such a learning method augmenting vocational education and training is the exception in the electrical crafts. As it has proven its worth, the company now plans to implement access to the learning platform also for its permanent staff and to offer suitable learning software for other topical subject-matter. With this, Diekmann aims at keeping his skilled workers fit and, first and foremost, to establish long-term ties between them and his company.