One advantage of e-learning is that the delivered messages & information provided is 100% consistent every time the "on switch" is pushed vs instructor provided.

However, interaction with a live well informed human is also critical to provide better understanding, clarifactions, answer questions, tranlate soem of the "Americanese" or other local terminology that finds it way into presentations like the use of cushion & soild tires or tyres interchangeably.

Just my 2.5 cents worth

FLT gal
It is important that the technical concepts be understood by the student.
My instructors sometimes ask if I think an individual with borderline skills should be passed.
My reply is (would you want that person on your crew, operating a 5 ton machine in public?)
I guess it all comes down to responsibility for our decisions.

Hi there,

I know this thread is abit old, but I thought it might be worth to put in my 2 cents worth.

There are e-learning facilities readily available, I have used it in some of my training. I beg to differ from the previous posts because I find them really handy.

Learners can do training at their own time and pace. There are certain question and answer sections where the learners will be tested, and need to achieve a certain passing mark before they can proceed to the next section. The learners can also watch videos and hear commentary not just slides. Everything the learner does is also tracked and recorded within the system, allowing the supervisors to monitor their progress (also to know if they are cheating).

However, e-learning only extends to certain situations. If you are referring to OSHA induction training. I would highly recommend e-learning. For other more specific training, face-to-face is still the way to go.

Aside from all the above, bear in mind that setup costs are quite high. You'll need to have licences for each learner and a server to park all that data.

Google netdimensions

In the classes I teach to inexperienced individuals, the students are told that the performance evaluation is the most important part of the class. If you don't pass that part you don't pass the class. The written test and presentations are important however, any of the concepts or questions can be clarified verbally if not fully grasped by the student. Not everyone has the necessary hand to eye coordination to be a safe operator after the first or second day of practice.
An online class might have a limited value as a starting place for a forklift safety program to meet compliance requirements.
The hands on portion is where the learning happens.

My company uses Vocam dvd's and online videos for our elearning. I find them very useful and keeps us prepared for safety risks.
I think their website is www. vocam. com

Sometimes being a consultant means educating your customer that what they "want" is not acceptable. I had a customer that insisted they wanted to install a back gate on a stand up rider to hold the operator in place in a tipover, the exact wrong thing to do. Should I have gone out and trying to kind a aftermarket kit or designed one for him? I don't think so. I respectfully told them why it did not make sense for them to do it and told them I could not help with it. In the U.S. it must be site and lift specific, that will be impossible to design a generic one sized fits all program like it might be for haz com, how to use a fire extinguisher, etc. What they are really saying in most cases is that they want to spend little to no money and little to no time investment. This may not be true in all cases, but it has been in 100% of the ones I have dealt with. I am not pushing outsourcing training, but they had better be prepared to spend the time and effort in house to do the right thing or else expect inferior and likley non compliant results.

Hi Budcoh
Over in the uk we have a e-learning program for long term unemployed called learn direct, the idea is for trainee`s to gain some knowlege before undertaking a full novice course. I have the paperwork for it will copy into a powerpoint presentation if you require and e.mail to you.

Dear budcoh,

I understand your question, but it doesn't seem to have an adequate answer from the many professionals subscribing to this forum. Please consider that such a course that you described on behalf of your client simply does NOT exist.

In my opinion, and that reflected by the US National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), the ONLY valid use of such passive "distance training" media is to give the candidate operator the "precursors" or a preview of what s/he needs to learn to stay safe in regard to on-truck action. In no way, shape or form, can distance learning substitute for compliance training. Nor can it help one to actually learn the perceptual motor skills needed while on-truck to correctly judge distance, speed, momentum, breaking, etc. when faced with live conditions in the actual work environment.

For more on this perspective, articles on validity of forklift operator testing, and a look at what NIOSH writes, peruse L I F T O R D O T C O M.

Best wishes

i belive persona and hands on are very good most important is attitdued

Dear Canada: No, you didn't hurt my feelings. I looked at your site and the courses sound interesting. Nevertheless, I still don't see how distance learning can be applied to create an OSHA-compliant (operative words) forklift operator training program. It might work for a "train the trainer" training program to help instructors learn the answers to questions from students that arise during class and practical traing but that wasn't my question. I remain interested to hear from anyone with actual practical experience with distance learning as applied to an OSHA-compliant forklift training program. Cordially, Bud

You all have missed the point. And as someone who has written several web based training programs on how to repair, maintain, and troubleshoot forklifts, you build you programs with the anwsers to the questions IN. That of course requires you to fully understand the topic and not be a bulls**t filled trainer. Sorry if I just hurt your feelings.
It requires planning but all but hands on can be done this way and with a little work most of hands on too.
Best suggestion, in breif
1) know what, in detail, you want to do (Story board time)
2) know who (or is that whom) will be taking the course
3) know how and where they will be taking the course
4) how long should they take and how long do they have

That will get you started, Then look into the dozens of different software titles. Try the and pick what works for your course. You may need to use several to complete your project, so make sure that they work with each other.

As an example of on line learning check this out http://www.georgebrown.ca/Marketing/FTCal/caet/T902.aspx

It's an on line electronics course.

Have fun, for the work is long but the result, done properly, is GREAT!

I

Dan in Canada. Do you have a website with a training prgram or were you just being facetious? BTW, OSHA (U.S.) has a website training program although it's pretty lame.

I am in Ottawa Canada. I am distant. Does he want to try my premier services? lol

Danny

Thanks to the two gentlemen who've replied to my question. Both of your comments are excellent and reflect my personal viewpoint. However, I believe I was not clear enough when I drafted my original question. My client is interested in finding specific distance learning training programs in order to review them. I have already discussed views such as yours with him and have failed to persuade him otherwise. Bottom line: does anyone have experience with an online program and what good/bad points did you find? Thanks, DIRTFT

How can a computer session answer the queries? How does a computer program address the requiremens of a particular environment? How does a computer utilize analogies to further get the point across? How does a computer program answer the students' questions?

Do we use computer programs to train doctors, accountants or lawyers? How about computer programmers, illustrators and developers? Can we use computers to train engineers to build bridges and roadways?

So how come it is acceptable to educate forklkift operators on how to operate a forklift safely, and do so with reasonable explanations?

I strongly oppose the use of computer programs to train operators on the safe use of forklifts in any workplace. hat is why I stand clear of forklifts when I visit my local Home Depot store.

I have a ton of experience in computer learning, but when it comes to teaching a hands on skill like forklift operation, or welding, if falls way short and can not make up the difference with pretty or cute graphic eye candy.
My opinion is about "e-learning programs for basic forklift operator safety training" is that they only meet a minor corner of the requirement. and are no way to be considered as an acceptable method for certification, only to barely cover the basics of the "classroom" portion, and even then the company (employer) NEEDS to audit (and document) the class to be sure it is covering all the subjects required for their particular work environment, and that the exact environment in which the person will be working must be also included in the training.