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LDB Construction Skills Action Plan Project

Currently, LDB is completing the final stages of Scottish Enterprise Construction Skills Action Plan project. 

Thirty e learning packs have been developed and installed on our VLE, BEE.  These can be accessed directly using a log-in provided by us (contact jackie.mullen@glasgowmet.ac.uk 0141 566 6213 or uploaded on to other VLEs such as Blackboard and Moodle. 

The new material is being formally launched on 26 March 2010 at City Halls, Glasgow.  FE principals, heads of construction departments and college learning technologists will all receive an invitation to this event. Below are some hints and tips on accessing and using the materials and a case study of their use with stonemasonry apprentices.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q.  I cannot access the materials as I have a pop up blocker on my machine?

A.  When Internet Explorer's pop-up blocker is turned on, you will see a message in the information bar (at the top of the browser) that says "Pop-up blocked.  To see this pop-up or additional options click here…"

To allow Internet Explorer to display pop-ups on the BEE website by default, you need to carry out the following steps: 1. Open Internet Explorer 2. Click on the Tools button, select the Pop-Up Blocker Menu, and click the Pop-Up Blocker Settings option 3. In the Address of website to allow box, type http://www.beeldb.com and click the Add button 4. To exit the Pop-Up Blocker Settings window, click the Close Button.

Q.  I have a Google Toolbar installed on my machine and cannot access the repository?

A.  If you have the Google Toolbar installed on your computer it can cause a conflict with the learning management system. To uninstall the Toolbar, carry out the following steps

  • On the Toolbar's wrench icon, click the down arrow
  • In the drop-down menu, select the Uninstall option
  • Click the Uninstall the Google Toolbar button

Q.  I am not able to view some of the materials on my machine.

A.   If you are having trouble viewing some of the materials once it has loaded      you will need to contact your IT technician to load some extra software.  Please tell them to go to: http://www.junction-18.com/plugins/  where they will be able to access all of the plug ins needed to run the material on your machine.

Suggested uses for the materials

The new materials have a range of uses including the following:

  1. for blended learning
    • individual class assignments, group project work, revision tools, gathering evidence of competence, reference materials, teaching aids.
  2. for individualised learning
    • individual assignments, private study, revision tools, gathering evidence of competence, reference materials, external group project work.
  3. for promotion
    • demonstration tools, introduction/taster for prospective students, marketing.

Case Study

 Robert Oliver, Stonemasonry Lecturer, Edinburgh's Telford College:

"Traditionally the subject knowledge and understanding was taught with the use of handouts, whiteboard (previously blackboard) then more recently, electronic whiteboards and a projector along with Lecturer led discussions etc.
With my 1st year group I intend to use the same learning content but it has now been developed through Learn Direct and Build into a rich interactive student based learning resource.

I am able to set online activities for the student based on the contents of learning packs. The pack can contain five different types of interactive activities namely (1) Handout creation (2) Drawing (3) Drag and drop formative assessment (4) Costing tool and (5) Assessment quiz. These activities allow me to confirm that the students have the knowledge and understanding required for that particular unit.

Students access the learning material in various ways e.g. they can log in to the college VLE via a computer lab, in the college learning streets (corridors full of computers for student use) or in the classroom itself. Access from home is also available via the web through the college website to enter the college VLE.

Students have said they enjoy this new format as they can control the speed at which they work and learn and generally find the material more interesting than the paper based handouts. Students have benefited in many ways from using this interactive format. I find they enjoy completing the units, taking part in the quizzes etc and compete with each other to gain a higher score than there fellow apprentice."

Malcolm Landells (Student)

"The interactive sessions present an interesting and modern twist. The additional tasks at the end help to reinforce the information within the session." 

User Target Information

To allow LDB to monitor the user numbers within the College departments a User Number Data Record form has been sent to all Construction Heads of Department, please complete this  and return  to Jackie Mullen, Learn Direct and Build, Glasgow Metropolitan College, 60 North Hanover Street, Glasgow, G1 2BP or email Jackie.mullen@glasgowmet.ac.uk to receive your form electronically.

Latest LDB news

LDB is currently developing:

  • An Energy Inform Virtual Historic House with retro fitting e learning material
  • "Passiv Haus" energy saving, carbon reduction and micro – renewables e learning materials