Trends in education, electrical and pharmaceutical

An exciting new trend in adult education is the use of virtual reality technology. In a video call with Shannon, another student in the PIDP program, we talked about the possibilities of the technology in her field, to train and practice the physical routines required in the safe creation of medicines.

The possibility to do the same thing in the electrical field is very exciting, especially in the High Voltage sector. Training in High Voltage is difficult, because the materials are so expensive to use, so being able to simulate the materials and process in VR is potentially a huge benefit to the industry.

I know many other trades and training systems in adult education will make use of this technology too, and it won’t be an expensive gimmick for much longer, but a very useful training tool.

Another discussion point we had was that the trades industry has for a few years now, incorporated entry level training into high school programs, and Shannon is working with her local school district to pilot a similar program for medical technicians, with an entry vector into not only her pharmacy technician program, but also dental assistants, and practical nursing.

Trends in education

Forbes: Top 5 Education Trends in 2023

I’ve heard of the term ‘Massive Online’ before, but always in terms of a games, like MMORPG’s. I hadn’t ever thought of it in terms of education. Now I know that the term MOOC’s exists, and that it means Massive Online Open Courses. What a concept!

This short article posted on Forbes, highlights MOOC’s as an increasingly popular method of delivering distance education, that was only increased with the CoVid-19 pandemic. The implication of this trend is that more people will potentially look to this model for the education they want to receive. The question, then, is does the training for an apprenticeship translate well to this model?

Once an apprentice has gone through their foundation training, learning the basics of the classroom education and theory of their discipline, as well as the physical skills, and use of tools required for the job, the remainder could conceivably be translated into an online learning program that could be taken when appropriate.

Ensuring my own skillset is prepared for a digital environment will be essential for effective instruction. Learning how to use programs and online tools such as Zoom or Discord, Microsoft Whiteboard, and other programs will surely be needed. Once again, the instructor is usually learning as much as the students, and they may even have the skills and knowledge to impart to the instructor to facilitate their own learning.

Indigenous Peoples and Trades Training

Indigenous communities, ITA build skilled trades workforces

With Truth and Reconciliation driving needed changes, training in the skilled trades sector is a natural place for Indigenous communities to benefit from targeted funding.

As an instructor in this field, being prepared to assist people new to a trade, and one as technically involved as the Electrical trade, will require a wider skillset than simply being knowledgeable about my own trade. To effectively instruct, and to apprentices that are potentially not used to the Western classroom style of instruction, will require me to learn as much, if not more, than the apprentices themselves. Finally, helping the apprentices learn the skills and retain the information needed to pass their assessments and complete an apprenticeship, may be a challenge to those who are expecting a more physical skill based assessment system, instead of the classroom exam style system that currently exists.

Learning as an adult will certainly be applying to me, as much as the apprentices in the classroom, so I’m looking forward to learning myself, and then applying it quickly, as these programs are already underway!