Online Course on Metrology for the Department Units, Standards & Services Laboratory Staff

Abstract

Measurement is everywhere, playing a vital role in our lives. Metrology is the science of measurement and National Metrology Institutes around the world make sure that the measurements we use are fit for purpose. The accuracy of the measurement, as well as the units, help scientists to better understand phenomena occurring in nature. To maintain national measurement system of units and provide metrological services to industry, health, trade, environment, road safety, etc., Metrology Experimental Officers should be more knowledgeable about Metrology. Nowadays, rapid development of Information and Communication Technologies leads to introducing new forms of communication and learning, including electronic learning. E-Learning covers the use of computers and technology as a vehicle for knowledge exchange within teaching and learning among Metrologists in the world but still not widely employed in Sri Lanka. The aim of the project was to provide enhanced educational and training support to the learners in addition to traditional teaching and learning by developing an online course for the Department of Measurement Units, Standards and Services. Interviews, questionnaire and observations were used to analyze the attitudes about online course and organization’s current teaching & learning system .Also tried to understand the current system and made an effort to find system deficiencies, by finding user requirements for suggested online course on Metrology. The analysis of the data shows positive attitude among the learners and teachers for implementing an online course. After analyzing the learners’ and teachers’ requirements five lessons were selected and each lesson consists with learning materials, activities, quizzes, assignments and forums. Moodle was used to create effective online course and Xerte toolkit was used to create e learning study material. Evaluation of the online course as well as monitoring the learner was done throughout the lifecycle of the project and it was identified that the deficiencies in traditional face to face learning has been overcome with the help of the online course. Through user requirements, the project comes up with a reliable online course that will help the department administration manage courses and monitor learners’ progress. Therefore the collaboration between learner and staff would be improved with developed e-learning course.