Once the training content is created and ready to use, the next issues to be addressed are how the content reaches the selected recipients (end users), how trainees, instructors and other parties involved in the training process interact with each other and what humman resources and infrastructure are needed to make it happen. Although these issues were also examined during the content creation stage designing the content accordingly, operational issues form part of the content delivery.
The approach to training content delivery, adopted by AviationEU Training Systems and Services and successfully used in the past is that of of an Internet (web) based Learning Management System (LMS). LMS enables content creation, storage, organisation and delivery, monitoring of trainees' participation and progress, assessment of their performance and interaction of all involved in the training process. There are several reasons supporting LMS use, the most important ones being their low cost (many of them are open source with no licensing requirements), quick and easy installation in local or remote servers provided by many Internet Service Providers, ISPs, a range of integrated functionalities (depending on the selected LMS) and the worlwide access to the content through different devices (PCs, tablets, mobile phones).
Moodle LMS
The default LMS used by AviationEU Training Systems and Services is Moodle LMS, an open source LMS operated by a wide range of users including schools, enterprises, government and others. Moodle LMS offers the required support for online learning, security, privacy, customization, versatility, affordable scalability and integrated core features listed below which make this LMS our preferred choice.
Accessibility: Content can be fully accessible and usable for all but restrictions can be also set.
Content Repository: allows uploading of files to a course from a variety of outside file repositories, including Dropbox, Flickr, Google Drive in addition to traditional computer uploading. Trainers can also search for files from any of their courses hosted on the same Moodle server.
Course Management: Trainers can customize their course setup and management. At the Administrator level, there are pre-made customizations and other customization options.
Assessments: assessments can be very rich, automated, and customized.
Social Learning: customization capabilities allowing an interface similar to popular social tools with a timeline of posts, filtering of the timeline, and integration with the trainee’s activities and resources,
Adaptive Learning: customized resources and learning activities to address the unique needs of each trainee provided that these have been included in the instructional design.
mLearning: Moodle official customizable mobile app which can be used to browse the courses, even when offline, receive instant notifications of messages and other events, track learning progress,etc. The Moodle web interface can also be customized to have responsive web design using HTML 5.
Cloud Hosting: resources of cloud computing can be used at a lower cost compared with other LMS options.
Microlearning: Microlearning lets learners select and use assets most applicable to their current needs on whatever device is most handy, making the training even more relevant to their work. Moodle offers access to many different interactive, reusable content types.
Live Engagement & Gamification: Built-in chat functionality add-ins for most of the major synchronous learning tools (Blackboard Collaborate & Ultra, Big Blue Button, Zoom, WebEx). Game mechanics and games can also be used, whenever required, to engage and motivate the trainees.
Analytics: Moodle analytics allow tracking of compliance, course completions and competencies but also a diagnosis of learning engagement and progress as well as a prediction of the learning progress. Reports and logs are generated at the course level.
AviationEU eLearning Platform
AviationEU eLearning Platform (also known as Information & Training Support System (ITSS) was originally based on eFront Web LMS to support AviationEU Training Systems & Services pilot theoretical knowledge and foundation courses.The AviationEU eLearning Platform is operated by AviationEU Training Systems and Services.and supports our content delivery services on behalf of our customers as well as those to be provided directly by us.The migration of existing, the addition of new training content and testing of the new platform are currently in progress and operation will start shortly.The general uses and features are listed below.
General Uses & Features
• Storage of existing and new created content with different delivery options offered. For example, in the case of pilot theoretical knowledge training, the customer or the content recipient can decide between the basic content and additional content or tools offered as options at additional charge (such as notes on flying lessons, video presentations of simulated flight exercises or our desktop VFR Flight Planner tool) for a demonstration and practice of their knowledge in their preparation for flight training.
• Advanced Course Management for delivered courses, lessons and related examinations,
• Content Repository with reusable reference materials for further reading,
• Self-Assessment Tests with multiple-choice questions to be used by the trainees for monitoring their performance in different lessons with explanations/ brief theory notes on the correct answers as an option,
• Course Assignments,
• Course Completion Examinations,
• Interaction Capabilities, enabling communication and co-operation of trainees with trainers and other parties involved in the training process,
• Trainee Records with up to date information on their theoretical knowledge training progress.
• User Groups with access rights to specific information,
• Noticeboard for latest news or content additions in the platform.