ABSTRACT
Building education is a mixture of professional and technical training. It’s needs are different from those of its nearest more traditional, academic neighbours; engineering or management courses. This calls for an innovative approach to teaching which produces a graduate who is both professionally, practically and technically prepared. To do this effectively (particularly in difficult economic circumstances) requires the use of efficient and appropriate training methods.
Video-on-Demand allows seamless and instantaneous provision of video segments for student learning modules. This is a development built on computer-based learning systems which use “static” text and graphics. It allows the development of dynamic training modules which have the capacity to considerably extend the scope of current computer-based learning, e.g. on-site observations of construction procedures can be coordinated into a single presentation which can be viewed (and reviewed) at a student’s leisure. The same material can be adapted into a learning exercise with diversion into alternative construction techniques or more detailed explanation and illustration for these students who are having difficulty with new concepts.
Even greater potential lies in the management and professional development fields where case studies and management techniques can be developed using video sequences which are chosen on the basis of the student’s decision making. Subsequent “post mortems” and exploration of alternative strategies are much more constructive and easier than in a traditional discussion based teaching mode.
The system which has been developed can be used for any learning module by incorporating appropriate supporting material. A technology and management module will be used to illustrate the process and these examples will be discussed.
This method of teaching will be available to those with local area networks and can be copied into “one-off” modules on CD-ROM. Using cable and satellite TV for access enlarges the distribution and availability of these modules and makes them an extremely viable and attractive new method of teaching and learning for building and construction training.
