Zing and Keeypad technologies at work in RMIT

RMIT has integrated "Zing" and "Keeypad" technologies as part of teaching and learning initiatives. Suitability of these for Dual-trade training is being reviewed.

Zing Technology

Under Learning and Teaching Investment Funding (LTIF funding) Zing technology was tried out in RMIT. In 2008, the project involved video streaming with Zing technology. Training was delivered successfully through video conferencing simultaneously in classrooms across Victoria. Feed back from the client, th eElectrical Electronic Industry Training Pty Ltd, and staff has been extremely positive. EEIT have indicated that there is greate potential to extend the pilot to deliver a wide range of industry-base courses.

In 2009, as follow up to the above project, "Global Green Electrician" project was carried out. Mandatory Installation Testing Fundamentals course using innovative training techniques incorporating a number of elearning technologies was delivered. Once more Zing technology was used in videoconferencing environment. The Electrical Regulator, Energy Safe Victoria, is a major supporter of the Global Green electrician program. Ken Gardiner, CEO, Engergy Safe Victoria, has indicated his strong support for the project, which will involve a partnership arrangement between RMIT and th eElectrical Trade Union and a range of other organisations.

These technologies which have been tried with success will be used for Dual-Trade project funded by Australian Flexible Learning Framework initiative.


KeePad Technology

Keeypad (also known as Student Response Meters, Personal Response Systems - PRS; Response ware etc). It is here for you to see.

PRS Trial: A trial of Keepad was run in Bundoora campus during Semester 2, 2008. It combined students from across six programs.from the School of Medical Sciences.

Students have difficulty engaging in large lectures, and staff cannot easily gauge students' understanding. As one tool to help over come this, Student Respons Meters were install in one of RMIT's lecture theatres. These allow the lecturer to preset multiple choice format questions and combine the students' responses graphically. Each stduent had access to a keypad, through which they register their preferred answer/s. The system then tallies the responses and creates a combined graphical / numeric output so that the total response of the class is displayed. Depending on the teaching format, lecturers can explain the correct answer and incorrect answers and re-cover material that may have been mis-understood. Students can gauge their progress and understanding while staff have the opportunity to immediately determine the effectiveness of their teaching.

A follow survey found that 94% of students reported having the SRMs had made their learning experience more enjoyable and that they participated more in class.