HVAC&R (Heating Ventilation, Air Conditioning & Refrigeration) Diploma - Ultimo- Integrating Moodle & Adobe Connect
Project focus
The Refrigeration teaching section at Ultimo College is using new technologies to engage Diploma ((course number 290) students. George Whitehouse, a HVAC&R teacher at Ultimo College is embedding the use of new technologies to engage students from diverse geographic locations running evening classes four nights a week. Students from as far as Cairns, Dubbo, Perth and London connect online through a combination of a virtual classroom using the Adobe Connect platform and the Moodle Content Management System as a student portal and resource repository.
Wish to hear more? Listen to George Whitehouse talk about his innovative teaching and learning practice
Impact of the project
The project is an outcome of LearnScope and Reframing the Future funding in 2006 & 2007 that built capability in the HVAC&R teaching section at Ultimo College. This has enabled the delivery of flexible innovative practices. Enrolments at Diploma level have doubled. In 2006, 30 students were enrolled in the Diploma course as opposed to 62 students in 2008. Students come from various geographical locations logging on to Moodle and Adobe Connect at 5:30pm four times a week. Diana Khabbaz from Learning & Innovation attended one of George's evening classes and was pleasently surprised to see students with previous low level ICT skills walk in, set up their laptops and start their lesson with great focus and engagement.
Some of the positive impacts of this project:
- Embedding new technologies in teaching & learning
- Increasing student enrolments
- Giving students 24/7 access to all Diploma contents and resources (Moodle)
- Making Virtual Classroom recordings available to all enrolled students
- Upskilling students in using new technologies
Educational technology used
A unique blend of the Moodle Content Management System with integrated classroom delivery using the Adobe Connect synchronous communication platform means all classes are visually captured and recorded.
Students from wide geographical locations logon to Moodle where all resources, learning materials and assessments are accessible 24/7.
Recommendations for users
George believes the Moodle Content Management System/Adobe Connect combination provides lecturers/teachers with a variety of tools to deliver and assess with greater flexiblility.His innovative course delivery allows the teaching section to tap into broader markets and client bases including overseas markets. Commercial potential is huge and has been identified by a worldwide Refrigeration & Air conditioning company who recently approached the Sydney Institute Refrigeration teaching section to deliver workplace training to staff worldwide.
The Refrigeration Moodle course
