Considering current practices for delivering distance and/or work based learning: -

For many learners on competency based courses, particularly those in the workplace, the primary communication or point of contact with the learning provider is through Assessor Visits.

For many learners therefore:

• They are visited periodically on prearranged dates for a prescribed period of time;
• A visit may not be when the learner is ready to be assessed it may be too soon or too late;
• Such visits are not always productive for a variety of reasons; and
• There is little opportunity to provide effective ‘training’ as well as ‘assessment’;

For many employers...

• Assessment visits are regarded as necessary interruptions to their employees work;
• The infrequency of visits make little impression as to its importance;
• It may not be convenient to engage in the assessor/learner activity during a visit; and
• Without actual contact, being left a copy of a review or report is something to be filed, not read.

For many assessors...

• A learner visit is based on a timetable not necessarily when the learner is ready to be assessed;
• Visits are not always productive and have to be ‘adapted’ to match the circumstances;
• They usually carry the learner portfolio and working material with them creating a ‘mobile’ office;
• Communication with employers is infrequent, missing opportunities for cooperation or support; and
• A visit invariably incurs cost in travel time and energy

Potentially-using Skype: -

Whilst all of the above can continue, by Introducing a policy for simple changes in communication...

• the visits may become more effective;
• the relationship between key partners more rewarding; and
• outcomes more likely to meet the aspirations of all concerned.

With ready access to what has become commonplace the opportunity exists to increase the frequency and improve the quality of communication between assessor, learner and employer.

This may be by using...

• a phone;
• a computer; or
• the internet

...to advise, train, discuss and where appropriate record the contact as evidence.

One system that we believe meets many of the challenges is Skype

Skype makes it easy to work together; Learners, Employers and Assessors can...

• Share work and talk about it instantly;
• Send files instantly to others - No size limits; then
• Start a conversation or a video conference in one click - to discuss
  • work;
  • targets; and/or
  • progress etc.

• Dial any phone or mobile number and pay relatively low per minute rates.
• Share a computer screen with a free Skype video call so they can show others exactly what they’re talking about and/or demonstrate skills and/or discuss documents etc.
• Use the Skype Instant messaging to hold conversations in real-time instead of talking. Others can be aded to make a group IM where whole teams can talk.
• Gather assessment evidence by...
  • capturing and saving IM conversations
  • capturing audio conversations using Skype add-ons such as...
    and/or
    
  • Capturing video evidence by using screencasting software such as CamStudio or Screencast-o-matic etc.
  • Sending/receiving documents including photographs, video clips, audio recordings etc.
• Reduce the Assessment/liaison Carbon Footprint by reducing travel.
• Reduce Assessment/liaison costs by using free Skype Calls
• Reduce the 'unwelcome impact' of workplace visits;
• Increase the quality of interaction and understanding.

Note: If the other 'partner(s)' don't have a PC, much of the above can still be achieved by making Skype phone call to a landline and/or mobile phone at a very reduced call rate. (Still using Call Graph & Pamela etc. to record evidence)