Oracle Training Consultants: HairPod

An Excellence Gateway case study

This case study was produced by JISC RSC (Regional Support Centres) Yorkshire & Humber on behalf of the Excellence Gateway.

Sector relevance: Work-based learning

Keywords: Improving teaching and learning, Improving responsiveness to learners, improving institutional effectiveness, Learning Innovation Grant, LIG, hairdressing and beauty training

Summary

Oracle Training Consultants used a Learning Innovation Grant (LIG) to expand an existing method of teaching to different types of learners. Videos were recorded and loaded onto iPods to help both visual and aural learners. The videos have had an impact on learners but also on how the organisation operates.

About Oracle Training Consultants Ltd

Oracle Training Consultants is a work-based training provider, based in South Yorkshire, specialising in the delivery of training in Hairdressing and Beauty Qualifications. Their learners are mainly on Apprenticeship and Entry to Employment based programmes, aged 16 to 25. Learners work in local salons and then attend one of two centres (Doncaster or Rotherham) one day a week for ‘off the job’ training.

The challenge

The challenge to Oracle was to provide course materials that would get the most out of all their learners. They have students of differing abilities and some did not respond well to the paper resources handed out in sessions. Therefore, different formats were developed.

The activity

Oracle had recorded audio material onto cassette to support sessions. Then in June 2007, Oracle used Learning Innovation Grant (LIG) 1 funding to update this idea by recording videos and loading them onto iPods. A series of videos were filmed for subjects such as customer service, reception duties, handling complaints, and communication. The iPods were loaned to learners to help support training sessions. Learners could then watch the material after the session in their own time.

About LIG funding

The Learning Innovation Grant (LIG) funding is provided by the Learning and Skills Council (LSC) and administered by the Association of Learning Providers (ALP). LIG funding supports the innovative development and application of ICT technologies and e-learning within the work-based learning (WBL)/skills sector. As at June 2008, LIG funding has supported 224 projects across a wide range of geographical and occupational areas. Access LIG exemplars on the ALP website.

The outcomes

1. The video format is part of an approach towards more blended learning where learners are able to get information in different ways. The video format helps learners who respond more to visual stimuli.
2. The videos are also transferable. Oracle has been able to download the videos to laptops and the whiteboard so they can be used within training sessions as another resource.
3. Oracle only sees learners on the Hair and Beauty courses one day a week and students spend the rest of the week in the salon. Therefore, the portable nature of an iPod means that the learner can take their learning out of the training centres to where they spend most of their time. They can watch the training videos as many times as they need to and then apply theory to their practical experience in the salon more easily.
4. The use of iPods also encourages learning. There is additional ‘street cred’ in using the technology and the learners feel less like they are studying.

The impact

There have been other unanticipated impacts of introducing the technology:

1. Learners have responded to the responsibility of being loaned an expensive piece of equipment. All loaned equipment has been returned.
2. Previously, employers had been remote from the learning. Salon owners have not necessarily been hairdressers or been trained through the apprenticeship scheme. They can now view the video and see what the learner is learning and feed into that, which enhances the students’ experience. It helps both the learners’ relationship with the employer but also Oracle’s relationship with the salon. The salon invests in Oracle and the students and they can now see more of what they are investing in.
3. Using the technology is changing the way that teaching is delivered at Oracle. Lecturers are now developing ideas with webcams to record sessions and carry out discrete assessment of students.
4. Oracle is able to use the videos to market itself. As a private company, it is imperative for Oracle to promote its services and enhance its image as moving with the times. They can transfer videos onto laptops and take them out to schools sessions and use on ‘taster days’. It gives students who are unsure about what they want to do a more complete idea of what training with Oracle will be like and it also adds to Oracle’s image of utilising technology, which is important in attracting young people.

Sandra Spall, Operational Manager/Key Skills Co-ordinator at Oracle, says achievement rate is up and that “the technology we have been able to develop has helped us to expand, not for commercial gain, but for the expertise of the young people”.

Useful links

• Visit the Oracle website
• For more information about this case study, email the JISC Regional Support Centre for Yorkshire & Humber.

Disclaimer: The Regional Support Centres (RSC) and the Learning and Skills Improvement Service (LSIS) support the development of educational e-learning. We may refer to specific products, processes or services. Such references are examples and are not endorsements or recommendations and should not be used for product endorsement purposes.