Conclusion

Online resources are an invaluable tool that when used in the correct manner and context can promote learning, equally if not better than non computer based resources. Educational practices are ever changing with more demand being placed on flexibility in delivery but "Content and learning activities on their own, however, do not constitute a course" (Mayes, 2003). Just like any resource that we use in education, careful review and consideration needs to be taken into account before, during and after we use it.

Whilst i believe, student engagement, relevance and context to be priorities in evaluating resources, there is more to consider and "the need for effective evaluation of educational course ware is as necessary today as it was when computers were first introduced into higher education" (British Journal, p.894).

The use of these technologies in training is well engraved currently whether the courses be web supplemented, web dependent or fully online. I think online resources can certainly be over used just like any other type of resource but i also believe there is more demand for this platform to be used so us as "educational technologists" need to be aware of this changing demand and be able to deliver quality products that promote learning as best as possible in our own contexts.

Another consideration that needs to be taken into account however is the current trend of lowering LLN levels which includes online learning skills. Whilst we make efforts to move forward with educational resources we need to be mindful that we don't widen the gap of those being unable to use/access the resources.

Relying on electronic media can have its downside if things aren't working for you. This can be accentuated when linked to large computer systems in colleges as well. As the use of this type of format increases "technical support staff will be required to manage electronic learning environments and content management systems, audio visual staff will be needed to develop templates and complex technical resources" (Mayes, 2003).

Whilst context is also very important when evaluating any resource, the results from my evaluation can be used as a guide for the appropriateness of the resource to the given teaching context i have previously mentioned. The results are as follows:

1. AL Lighting website (resource 9)
2. Narva website (resource 5)
3. Hella website (resource 4)
4. TeacherTube video (resource 8)
5. How to change video (resource 1)
6. LED podcast (resource 6)
7. Dailymotion vodcast (resource 2)
8. AA1 website (resource 11)
9. Report (resource 3)
10. Wiring diagrams (resource 12)
11. Wapedia wiki (resource 7)
12. Message board (resource 10)
    

In summary i believe that the use of online resources gives far more positive than negative contributions to education but evaluation needs to be integral in the decision making and implementation process. Constant review of the resources is very important as well as the resources may change with time and without notification.

References

Hosie, P., & Schibeci, R. (2005). Checklist and context-bound evaluations of online learning in higher education. British Journal of Educational Technology, 36(5), 881 - 895.

Mayes, T. (2003). Introduction to Part 1 of Reusing Online Resources: Vision and Theoretical Perspectives. Journal of Interactive Media in Education, 2003 (1) Special Issue on Reusing Online Resources.

Resource 12 (Evaluation)

• Wiring diagrams are an important part of being able to understand and diagnose/repair automotive lighting systems as there is a wide variety of ways manufacturers control lighting operations.
• The two resources I have used as an example show one that is far better than the other. The KLR650 diagram is in colour, the sizing can be changed, individual wires and components are clearly marked and it mentions country specific differences which, if the technician is unaware, can cause confusion during diagnosis.
• Both diagrams are replications of manufacturer supplied diagrams which could bring in some doubt concerning accuracy but being able to question wiring diagram information is taught to students as even original diagrams can be inaccurate for Australian vehicles at times.
• These diagrams would be suited as a training tool for the unit AURE318866A - Repair electrical systems.
• Online versions of wiring diagrams are an excellent supplement to paper based resources as originals can often be damaged. Both diagrams could be printed if required by the students which is often the case if the diagram is required in the vehicle.
• This type of training resource promotes questioning and could be used to demonstrate positive/negative switching, voltage drop and potential problems. (Hosie & Schiebeci, 2005, p. 890) state that "many learners prefer some form of human interaction in learning tasks".

Evaluation

1* (poor), 5***** (Excellent)

1. Engagement of the resource. **
   
2. Usability of the resource. ***
   
3. Depth/appropriateness of the resource. ***
   
4. Currency of the resource. ***
   
5. Consistency with current teaching models/practices. ***

Total: 14/25

References

Hosie, P., & Schibeci, R. (2005). Checklist and context-bound evaluations of online learning in higher education. British Journal of Educational Technology, 36(5), 881 - 895.

Resource 11 (Evaluation)

• This interactive website is written and supported by Larry Carley who is a well known automotive technical writer. Larry is an independent writer and because of this the information is non biased and based on giving accurate repair information regardless of what make of car or what brand diagnostic tools are used.
• There are a multitude of websites available that offer repair advice or information but this one is well laid out and simplified which makes it easy to locate specific information.
  
• The language and terms used in the website are suited to training because information is broken down into paragraphs as well as being often supported by diagrams and/or photos.
• The information is provided in various ways including a repair library, bulletins, links and a blog.
• This type of website would be suited for students to use in the workplace to assist with repairs which is extending or adding to their learning experiences. "The majority of students will be studying at least partly online in the future" (Hosie & schibeci, 2005, p. 883)
  
• This website would be very well suited to the unit AURE318866A - Repair electrical systems.
• The diagnostic information is well supported by links which is similar in principle to current paper based diagnostic charts that are used.
• The google search function used in the website incorporates both the website and Internet search actions which enables further options for students if required.
• In evaluating the information, it is very accurate and relevant to vehicles used in this country which is important when students are trying to relate new information to what they already know.
• The coverage or depth of the information provided is very well suited to learners of all levels as it covers basic information like voltage drop testing right through to current technologies of xenon lighting systems.
• I found it difficult to locate update dates on the website but most of the diagnostic principles or procedures listed don't age and are appropriate for many applications.

Evaluation

1* (poor), 5***** (Excellent)

1. Engagement of the resource. ***
   
2. Usability of the resource. ***
   
3. Depth/appropriateness of the resource. ***
   
4. Currency of the resource. ***
   
5. Consistency with current teaching models/practices. ***

Total: 15/25

References

Hosie, P., & Schibeci, R. (2005). Checklist and context-bound evaluations of online learning in higher education. British Journal of Educational Technology, 36(5), 881 - 895.

Resource 10 (Evaluation)

• This resource is a message board specific to automotive lighting and by the nature of the users it contains alternative information, e.g. headlight modifications, aftermarket products etc.
• There is a search option which is limited and it can be time consuming to find specific information that may be required by students. As a learning resource this could be a barrier if frustration is caused by using the format.
• The majority of information is provided by American postings. This can be difficult if students can't relate/interpret information and relate it to Australian vehicles.
• The currency of information is limited with the majority of postings occurring in 2005/2006. The message board is still active with some users having recent postings.
• The nature of the resource allows students to question/contribute if required which would promote higher cognition and involvement.
• Students with limited IT skills may find this type of resource difficult to use as there is a lot of information that may need to be navigated in order to locate information that is required.
• The validity and accuracy of information needs to be questioned in this type of resource.

Evaluation

1* (poor), 5***** (Excellent)

1. Engagement of the resource. **
   
2. Usability of the resource. *
   
3. Depth/appropriateness of the resource. ***
   
4. Currency of the resource. **
   
5. Consistency with current teaching models/practices. **

Total: 10/25

Resource 9 (Evaluation)

• The website hosts information regarding lighting products which are very much at the top end of the scale in regards to technologies and price.
• This website gives excellent information regarding xenon, LED and halogen lighting systems. Students can locate detailed information regarding advantages, function, temperature and energy consumption of the different systems.
• The information within the website is well presented, easy to use and provides excellent illustrations combined with written text.
• The information could be used a different levels of training depending on how detailed the information required is but would be most likely be relevant to units AURE219331A - Install, test and repair low voltage wiring/lighting systems, AURE318866A - Repair electrical systems.
  
• The company was formed in 1999 from the amalgamation of Magneti Marelli and Bosch. These original companies have always had an excellent reputation within the Automotive electrical industry. The information provided in the website would be accurate, current and very up to date.
• The company has relationships with many other companies in manufacturing and supply. These companies include BMW, Daimler, Porsche, VW, Fiat, GM, Renault and Nissan. These brand names would be familiar to students using the resource which assists with the context of information.
• In support of the reputation and currency of the information provided by this resource it is worth noting that the company has achieved awards including best supplier of the year and the reddot design award 2008.

Evaluation

1* (poor), 5***** (Excellent)

1. Engagement of the resource. ****
   
2. Usability of the resource. ****
   
3. Depth/appropriateness of the resource. ****
   
4. Currency of the resource. *****
   
5. Consistency with current teaching models/practices. ****

Total: 21/25

Resource 8 (Evaluation)

• This resource is a short video demonstrating the procedures for testing automotive relays.Relays are commonly used throughout vehicles including lighting circuits.
• The original source is from an American college and has been uploaded to the website TeacherTube.
• The video is short (under 2 minutes), specific and engaging.
• The information provided is specific enough for students to be able to replicate the procedure in a practical task. Information regarding relay terminal numbers are relevant to all relays used worldwide.
• The person in the video has a strong American accent, whilst it is easily understood, some students may see this as being irrelevant to Australian vehicles.
• The video is basic in its production and could easily be replicated in our own teaching environment as a stand alone video or maybe provided as a vodcast.
• This type of practical exercise could be learnt completely by students in remote locations or in the workplace. "Distance education has the potential to significantly decrease the costs associated with providing access to online tuition" (Hosie & Schibeci, 2005, p. 886).
  
• The work area shown in the video is not very clean which could also send poor messages to students.
• The information provided could be aimed at students undertaking low level training as well as being "refresher" information to students that may have forgotten the procedure and are requires to test relays involved in more advanced units.
• Relays are used extensively in electrical systems and thus this resource would be relevant to units AURE218708A - Carry out repairs to single electrical circuits, AURE219331A - Install, test and repair low voltage wiring/lighting systems, AURE219531A - Install ancillary electrical components, AURE318866A - Repair electrical systems.
• Although the information was posted this year (2008) the information does not age as relay construction has not changed.

Evaluation

1* (poor), 5***** (Excellent)

1. Engagement of the resource. ***
   
2. Usability of the resource. ***
   
3. Depth/appropriateness of the resource. ***
   
4. Currency of the resource. ****
   
5. Consistency with current teaching models/practices. ****

Total: 17/25

References

Hosie, P., & Schibeci, R. (2005). Checklist and context-bound evaluations of online learning in higher education. British Journal of Educational Technology, 36(5), 881 - 895.

Resource 7 (Evaluation)

• This resource is a modified version of information provided in wikipedia to suit mobile phones or PDA's.
• This is good alternative for students requiring the mobility of a specific learning resource.
• Features:
  "Long pages are divided into smaller chunks to fit into the small displays of mobile phones".
  "Images are scaled down to the resolution of the mobile device".
  "Own fast search engine, independent from Wikipedia servers
  Supports WML and modern XHTML Mobile formats, with an auto detection of the best format for each device".
  "Several languages - more will follow if requested. See Languages".
  "Delivery of recent versions of articles".
  "A local article database provides full service and high speed, even if the Wikipedia servers don't respond or aren't fast enough".
  "Users can configure the size of images and other options like the size of the start page".(Wapedia, n.d.)
• Students must always question the validity of information in wikis but the information on the lighting topics are well written, seem accurate and the links work well further information as required.
• By the nature of a wiki, there is opportunity for students to engage in providing or adding to information already present. Hosie & Schibeci (2005, p. 884) stated that "real education requires interaction, the interaction that is essential to high-quality teaching and learning".
  
• The information covers a very wide range of topics and could be used as a resource for units AURE218708A - Cary out repairs to single electrical circuits, AURE219331A - Install, test and repair low voltage wiring/lighting systems, AURE219531A - Install ancillary electrical components - AURE 318866A - Repair electrical systems.
• The information is provided in written text and photos.
• The original source could also be used by students in conjunction with this or as an alternative.

Evaluation

1* (poor), 5***** (Excellent)

1. Engagement of the resource. ***
   
2. Usability of the resource. **
   
3. Depth/appropriateness of the resource. ****
   
4. Currency of the resource. **
   
5. Consistency with current teaching models/practices. **

Total: 13/25

References

Features (n.d.) Retrieved September 1, 2008, from http://wapedia.mobi/en/Wapedia:Wapedia.

Hosie, P., & Schibeci, R. (2005). Checklist and context-bound evaluations of online learning in higher education. British Journal of Educational Technology, 36(5), 881 - 895.

Resource 6 (Evaluation)

• This audio broadcast is a great introduction to an exiting new trend in automotive lighting, the use of LED technologies in headlights.
• As the resource is an audio track, it is very transportable, easy to use and a great alternative to written text. "Technologies that can be used to deliver education have suddenly become cheap, ubiquitous, and pervasive" (Lundin as cited in Hosie & Schibeci, 2005, p. 882)
  
• The audio track is short (60 secs) but the information is an accurate description of the technology. The voice is with an American accent but is very clear and easy to listen to.
  
• The information is great as a learning resource as an introduction of what the technology is, advantages, output colour and specific applications that currently use these type of lights.
• This resource would be excellent in providing valuable information that would relate to the unit AURE219331A - Install, test and repair low voltage wiring/lighting systems.
• The recording is labelled as 2008 which makes the information current and the vehicles that are mentioned are the current models available in Australia.
• The information is provided by an organisation (SAE International) that "has more than 90,000 members - engineers, business executives, educators, and students from more than 97 countries - who share information and exchange ideas for advancing the engineering of mobility systems. SAE is your one-stop resource for standards development, events, and technical information and expertise used in designing, building, maintaining, and operating self-propelled vehicles for use on land or sea, in air or space" (About SAE, n.d.)

Evaluation

1* (poor), 5***** (Excellent)

1. Engagement of the resource. **
   
2. Usability of the resource. ****
   
3. Depth/appropriateness of the resource. ***
   
4. Currency of the resource. ****
   
5. Consistency with current teaching models/practices. ***
   

Total: 16/25

References

About SAE (n.d.). Retrieved September 1, 2008, from http://www.sae.org/about/.

Hosie, P., & Schibeci, R. (2005). Checklist and context-bound evaluations of online learning in higher education. British Journal of Educational Technology, 36(5), 881 - 895.

Resource 5 (Evaluation)

• An alternative website to resource 4 with the difference of this company being founded in Australia and very much supportive of the automotive industry.
• Excellent product support with very informative product listings including ordering information, descriptions and colour photographs.
• All products listed are to suit Australian design rules which is a legal requirement for use in this country.
• the website is well laid out and easily used.
• The information is regularly updated including the publication of Narva News and press releases. This information is a good way of keeping up with changes to the automotive electrical industry.
• The company has a good reputation within the industry and the information in the resource is accurate, reliable and regularly updated.
• It is good to use this type of resource for training purposes as it is becoming more popular to have to refer to online resources for product part numbers in preference to paper based resources.

Evaluation

1* (poor), 5***** (Excellent)

1. Engagement of the resource. ****
   
2. Usability of the resource. ****
   
3. Depth/appropriateness of the resource. ***
   
4. Currency of the resource. ****
   
5. Consistency with current teaching models/practices.***

Total: 18/25

Resource 4 (Evaluation)

• An Australian based website representing a global company that supplies the automotive electrical industry.
• An excellent all round resource that would support units AURE218708A - Carry out repairs to single electrical circuits, AURE219331A - Install, test and repair low voltage wiring/lighting systems, AURE219531A - Install ancillary electrical components and AURE318866A - Repair electrical systems.
• The level of information supplied supports learners at all levels depending what information they require.
• This website has a good variety of information including videos, product listings, specifications and upcoming product information.
• The global company has an excellent reputation which would support trust in the information provided.
• The products listed are suited to the Australian industry which is important as design rules can vary between countries which could be confusing to students.
• The website is updated regularly which enables accurate information and excellent opportunities to research the latest in technologies. An example of this is the article and videos regarding cornering lights.
• The website is well laid out and easily navigational depending on the information being sort.

Evaluation

1* (poor), 5***** (Excellent)

1. Engagement of the resource. ****
   
2. Usability of the resource. ***
   
3. Depth/appropriateness of the resource. ****
   
4. Currency of the resource. ****
   
5. Consistency with current teaching models/practices. ***
   

Total: 18/25