EUMETCAL WORKSHOP 2010WMO - Geneva – 29 nov – 2 déc

Two experiments of distance learning in Meteo-France

 

Background :

Meteo-France : a great demand for continuous training (as in other NMSs)- Aviation meteorology,- New forecasting methods,- Climate change,- New IT technologies,

A piece of geography :- 2 main locations : Paris and Toulouse (Reaserch, Training and Operational

service)- One location in each department (one averagely for 3 departments within 7

years)- Several hundred kilometers from some centers to Toulouse (and much

more if we consider Martinique or New Caledonia).

Consequences

Traditional training is expensive- Travel costs- Waste of time

Traditional training is not fully satisfying :- According to pedagogical matters : a full week training on a

software or any other item is boring and tiring,- According to environment matters : transport is source of

greenhouse gaz emissions.

Distance learning identified as a solution

Reduces the number of flights : response to economical and greenhouse gaz emission issues

Can be splitted according to pedagogical reasons which gives a first response to efficiency issues

2 experiments planned for year 2011 :- Climate change : in order to deliver to non specialist staff from

Meteo-France enough knowledge so that they can respond to Meteo-France users.

- Java : additional infoprmations to a traditional training.

2010 : design of the training 1/4

I Climate change :

The staff :- a lot of knowledge and competencies avaible in reaserch center of

Meteo–France- But experts are very busy and have very little time to take part to the

training.

Conclusion : training will be prepared and delivered by teachers from the ENM, with the help of experts and a technical assistance in case of IT issues.

2010 : design of the training 2/4

Different sequences and types of training material :

- Distance synchronous sessions : to present the training (targets, content, organisation), to deliver specific informations, help and guide trainees. Last session will consist in a discussion between trainees, observed by experts, as an assesment of the training.

- Material for non synchronous work : recordings of conferences (speechi), presentations, exercises, cases studies and quizz (delivered through MOODLE), forum.

2010 : design of the training 3 / 4

Java language :

- To complete a traditional training session in ENM- Staff : two IT trainers.- Distance synchronous sessions : to deliver specific informations,

help and guide trainees.- Non synchronous material : material deliverd through MOODLE

(presentations, exercises, quizz), forum.

2010 : design of the training 4 / 4

Administrative aspects :

Distance learning can be adapted to the rythm of the trainees. Nevertheless it needs some time for the trainee. So a contract will be signed by the trainee, his chief, and the trainer(s) so that all parties are aware of the effort to achieve.

Evaluation : - no test of completion for the trainees : a reflexion to be held in the

future about this aspect,- Assesment of the efficiency of the training.

2011 : delivery of the trainings and prospects

Two trainings to be delivered during the 6 first months of 2011

Prospects :- to enhance the offer of distance continuous training,- To introduce these technologies in initial training : not as distance

training (students are in the ENM or close to), but as a tool to reduce the number of sessions in classrooms and use the saved time for alternative activities (projects, self training activities).