MARITIME TRAINING THE NEW YEAR AHEAD BY LOUISE DEEHAN-OWEN W
e are looking forward to an exciting year in training at the New Zealand Maritime School. The qualifications and operational limit review seems to have been a discussion topic for the past couple of years, and the process has not been the most expedient one, but 2012 looks like a year of action. We have been heartened by the recent increase in Maritime New Zealand's technical team, with expertise in both the nautical and engineering disciplines, as well as education. Initial dialogue and meetings indicate an enthusiastic and eager team. We look forward to planning these new licences and that we are able to develop more flexible and engaging delivery options for a wider range of courses. In line with STCW 10, all the foreign-going courses have been or are currently being redeveloped to comply with the code. Marine engineering is undergoing radical changes in course content and delivery, with emphasis on the industry's changing needs and appropriate pedagogies (pedagogy: the science of teaching Ed…) for the discipline.
There is increasing emphasis in all teaching areas on the use of electronic technology, blended learning and the introduction of learning commons. We know the students coming from schools are expecting a more interactive delivery of material, more engagement with technology and a demonstrated relevance with linking learning to industry and practices, and those within the industry have seen a growth in the utilisation of technology on vessels.
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It is all too tempting to just incorporate diverse media in the class delivery, but the learning design to compliment integration and promote student success is a complex one. With this technology there is still the belief that the lecturer and student relationship is still the core to any learning success design. The learning commons are areas outside the classroom which, with careful lecturer planning, can allow multiple focus or study groups the space to interact and allow flexibility within the subjects being taught. This shift will benefit all students, allowing autonomy and empowering them with the tools to achieve success. Linked to the technology development and the proof of successful outcomes for the students has been an increase in the demand for simulation-based training. We have just completed plans for a major upgrade of the existing full mission bridge simulator. It involves an increase from three "own ships" to seven "own ship" bridge simulators.
It has been a juggling act to ensure access for all students, and with students and companies keen for more once they have experienced the learning environment the expansion was needed. This facility is projected to be completed by May. The programme is a full one and 2012 looks to be a year that will be the shaping of progressive, positive changes, especially within this industry's training sector, a year to take the best of 2011 with us and create the better ahead of us.
New Zealand Maritime School
Maritime training designed to meet your company's needs: - Customised training - Maritime consultancy - Flexible learning options including blended delivery for 'Inshore Launchmaster' and 'New Zealand Offshore Watchkeeper'.
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Maritime New Zealand Licences Marine Engineering STCW '95 Basic Training Mate and Master Yacht Licences.
For a list of our 2012 courses or for more information, contact:
New Zealand Maritime School, Level 3, 2 Commerce St, Auckland on phone: 0800 744 722 email: maritime@manukau.ac.nz or visit: www.nzmaritime.com
52 Professional Skipper March/April 2012
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