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The world-of-work and a community of learning awaits the EnterTech student.  Upon log-in to the computer, the "new trainee" arrives at their virtual workplace. Learning activities are simulated work activities at a virtual technology manufacturing company named EnterTech. Virtual co-workers and supervisors populate and narrate a storyline that dynamically evolves based on learner decisions.

Screen shot from online team meeting

Work simulation and compelling narrative drama combine with group projects, workbook activities, and the support and facilitation of an instructor to create an integrated and interactive learning environment, designed to promote both a community of learning and individual student success.

Computer-Based Training

The computer provides a simulated workplace, engaging the learner with virtual characters and storylines, and leading the student through tasks.

Screen shot from invoice reconciliation task

The computer provides a means for transparent assessment and gives the instructor a Management Report that presents learner accomplishments on performance objectives.

The computer also provides the learner with key resources for learning and mastering skills through EnterTech’s online resource library of just-in-time learning opportunities. A student may seek remediation or enhancement to specific skills such as changing fractions to percentages. Tools such as e-mail and an electronic bulletin board facilitate group communication and problem solving.

Interface design sketch for just-in-time learning center

The EnterTech computer environment is rich, varied, and engaging, providing a real world context for skills acquisition. It is here that the student sees the workplace, encounters co-workers and supervisors, and is given entry-level, work-related tasks. EnterTech characters deliver information directly to learners. Videos provide company training on policies and procedures such as safety and quality control. Virtual co-workers tutor the students in understanding and completing specific job tasks.

Screen shot from safety video

The computer presents students with the "work tasks" designed to learn and practice job-related skills such as shipping and receiving, picking and kitting, computer assembly and quick testing. The computer environment employs multi-sensory media and methods to accommodate various learning styles.

Screen shot from online picking task

The computer environment also engages the student in work-related problem-solving activities, often involving interpersonal relationships with virtual co-workers, through specially designed "plot developments." These narrative "interruptions" or "decision points" present the learner with a problem. The learner is then given several possible actions or responses each with its own consequences or follow-up actions and responses.

The plot developments give the student the opportunity to employ high order thinking skills, practice relationship skills, and explore reactions to different situations and personalities. They are a rich forum for teaching the soft skills deemed crucial by employers.

Scene - Row A of the Warehouse (wide angle shot looking up at the item on the highest shelf) Voice Over: You are filling a pick order. The part you need is on a shelf you cannot reach. On Screen: What do you do? A) I ask Sam, the Warehouse supervisor, what to do. B) I ask Wanda because she gave me the pick order. C) I ask Joe, the forklift operator, to get the item for me. D) I skip this item for now and go to the next item on my pick list. E) I reach the item by standing on my delivery cart. Sample script of plot development

Instructor Facilitation

While the computer gives each learner the autonomy to work at their own pace, the instructor will be present to guide the learning process, create a supportive classroom community, troubleshoot computer and navigation issues, facilitate group discussions, and assist with targeted remediation lessons. The instructor also coaches group learning activities and provides learners with constant feedback on their performance. The instructor's human touch, role modeling, and direct assistance are an essential part of the learning environment.

Group Projects

Employers identified teamwork and effective communication as invaluable skills for potential employees. These skills are best taught through peer-to-peer interaction. Thus the EnterTech instructional design incorporates project-based activities, often initiated through the computer and then facilitated by the instructor. These activities focus on key themes for each week of instruction—safety, teamwork, and quality control.

Workbook Activities

The amount of information to be mastered in EnterTech is substantial and the skill levels of the diverse student population will vary widely. To support the learning process EnterTech has designed the Personal Planner and the Learning Resource guides.

The Personal Planner Guide addresses the intersections of personal life and work. It includes activities designed to help the learner define a support network of friends, family and community resources, learn to handle stress and raise self-confidence, and plan for on-going learning. It also contains important information about such topics as money management, paychecks and benefits, childcare and transportation.

Identifying a Mentor A mentor is a trusted counselor or guide; someone who will help you and teach you. List the qualities a mentor should possess: Identify an Enter Tech employee you would like as a mentor:__________________________ What qualities do you possess that make you a good resource for others?... Sample text from Personal Resource

The Learning Resource Guide presents re-learning and re-enforcement activities for all of the EnterTech performance objectives. It is designed for learners who need to practice skills or relearn subskills, including basic academic skills such as how to multiply fractions or how to create a flowchart. It addresses the needs of those who need more time or who learn best by working with paper and pencil.

Interpret Graphics You've Done This Before: You interpret graphic information all the time in your everyday life: Weather maps on the TV news Traffic signs and symbols Cookbooks and instructions on food products such as cake-mixes or microwave popcorn Assembly instructions that come with new purchases such as radios, bicycles, etc. In the Workplace: A lot of information on the job is in the form of graphic pictures, instead of written or spoken communication. Warning signs use pictures, and instructions often use pictures and graphs. A lot of it is easy to figure out, but some of it takes a little practice. When you see a picture or chart that doesn't make sense, look at the words included and their arrangement, that will usually give you a clue. Try It Out: Look at this floor-plan of a building... Sample text from Learning Resource

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