KM TRAINING
ICT Strategy
Including the use of learning and
communication
Teresa Mullin
2013
The overall ICT strategy for KM Training reflects our organisational aims and objectives and the
strategy that will be implemented in order to achieve those aims.
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Table of Contents
Organisation Background........................................................................................................................ 3
Derby ................................................................................................................................................... 3
Nottingham ......................................................................................................................................... 3
IT requirements....................................................................................................................................... 4
In the workplace ................................................................................................................................. 4
Nintendo DS’s for maths training.................................................................................................... 4
Touch screen tills ............................................................................................................................ 4
KM client consultation website....................................................................................................... 5
E-induction Website........................................................................................................................ 5
E-Tracking/Portfolio Website .......................................................................................................... 5
E-learning Surveys Website ............................................................................................................ 5
CPD Website.................................................................................................................................... 6
KM Training Videos Website ........................................................................................................... 6
KM Internal Verification Website ................................................................................................... 6
In the training centres......................................................................................................................... 6
Market place ................................................................................................................................... 6
Babington Lane ............................................................................................................................... 6
All online resources ......................................................................................................................... 6
Online testing VTCT Linx ................................................................................................................. 6
ATT Software ................................................................................................................................... 6
Microsoft Office / Open Office........................................................................................................ 7
CCTV ............................................................................................................................................... 7
In use by administrators ..................................................................................................................... 7
Management information system .................................................................................................. 7
Our IT Vision ............................................................................................................................................ 7
Our key goals....................................................................................................................................... 8
SWOT analysis (2013).......................................................................................................................... 8
Technological considerations.............................................................................................................. 9
Current systems and developments ............................................................................................... 9
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Organisation Background
KM Training (KMT) has been established since 1996. Kieran Mullin Ltd salons are our main employer
placement partner with whom we collaborate closely but we in 2012 we are diversifying which will
mean we hope to link with more employers.
Our Mission at KM Training is:
“To offer and provide opportunities for our learners to achieve their full potential within a
supportive work-based (learning) environment in conjunction with Kieran Mullin Ltd and other
employers”
“To offer and provide a business support service to Kieran Mullin Ltd and other employers to
promote a sustainable, high quality, work based learning environment.”
KMT work with one main employer, Kieran Mullin Ltd to deliver Traineeships, work based
Apprenticeships and Advanced Apprenticeships in Hairdressing, Barbering and Customer Service. We
have recently expanded this to include, Nails, Beauty Therapy and Teaching & Assessing Awards.
Learner numbers can be found in the learner analysis profile. The nature of our provision alters in
relation to the environment and context within which we operate. Salons are ICT friendly and
promote embedded IT development skills in such activities as using a client database, touch screen
tills, laptops for embedded development of essential learning and understanding etc.
Derby
Learners in Derby are based at the following KM salons; Westfield (W), Market Place (MP),
Cheapside (CS), Sinfin (SF), Littleover (L) and Babington Lane (BL) which is a dedicated training salon.
All learners spend time at the training salon on a rota basis and further develop their practical skills
at their KM placement salon. KMT’s Head Office is based in Derby city centre and learners attend
theory sessions here. Facilities are available to support learners with the demands of the theory
element of their apprenticeship frameworks. These currently include vocational resources including
text books, videos and work books. Basic Skills development and Functional Skills assessments take
place both in the workplace and at the training centres.
Nottingham
Learners in Nottingham can be placed at the following KM salons; Beeston, Stapleford and Arnold.
All learners spend time at the training salon on a rota basis and further develop their practical skills
at their KM placement salon.
Scunthorpe
The KM salon in Scunthorpe is situated within an Asda superstore (S). Model sessions provide
learners with assessment opportunities and practical skill development. Theory sessions take place
at Ashby Link, a local council operated adult education centre where rooms are hired for training.
The rooms are equipped for learners to watch videos and do computer work as well as work
independently or with their tutor. However, KMT are limited in the use of this equipment as we are
not allowed to download any permanent software or materials onto the ICT equipment at Ashby
Link. Basic Skills development and Functional Skills assessments take place both in the workplace
and at the training centres.
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IT requirements
KMT has identified a need to provide a more structured approach to ILT for both its learners and also
for its future growth and competitiveness. As IT provision comes under increasing government
scrutiny and e-learning is held in increasingly high regard, so KM Training should reflect this in their
ILT strategy. We have developed a site for accessing free e-learning and IAG(Information, Advice and
Guidance) resources www.education-net.org and linked to this is a self-assessment quiz to assist
employers initially assess ICT skills.
We aim to employ e-learning as a catalyst for change in both the ‘off the job’ and ‘on the job’
provision of employed apprentice hairdressers and barbers. E-learning has already been rapidly
embedded into the learning and assessment process at KM Training. Increasingly ICT is being
embraced by the employer and thus the exposure to e-learning opportunities that the apprentices
have in the workplace is growing.
Through apprentice and staff training we aim to enable e-learning to become fully embedded and
integrated in the daily applications within the workplace, thus enabling real change to take place.
These changes relate to learning, assessment, testing and learning in addition to employer-based
systems changes.
In the workplace
Most salons are fully equipped with at least one computer. Instead of printers we are now using
Dropbox to share documents within our network. All salons have access to a broadband connection
and software for all anticipated computer usage. All salons are currently emailing each other and
Head Office and learners are also emailing their questions to KMT and have begun both vocational
assessments. Babington Lane has a range of computers , laptops and soon to be installed tablets. All
salons use this computer to access the client database and this is used by apprentices and by salon
staff. We have also developed an increasing wealth of resources which learners can access over the
internet from these computers. All have undergone training in the use of the facilities. The
equipment now available within the salon network is as follows:
There are now a multitude of computers in the salons and training centres and an additional number
of laptops that can be used for peripatetic assessment. Each salon computer is linked to a printer
and all of the salons have an internet connection through broadband. The main provider is “Be
There” but this is to be reviewed in 2013 as some of the provision is not consistent. All the salons
have access to the KM database which is functioning well and has been updated to include new
salons. In 2011 KMT aimed to transfer over its server provision to its own internal server which will
be based in the KMT head offices in Derby (MP) and integrate the following websites. However, with
lack of maintenance abilities we decided to continue to host the websites.
Nintendo DS’s for maths training
We currently have access to 2 Nintendo DS consoles for use by our learners. These have been useful
for improving learner’s mental maths. These consoles can be used by anyone and are very portable
so can be taken to any salon.
Touch screen tills
In almost every salon we have touch screen Samstock v2000 tills. These tills are used by all salon
staff and learners and are continually helping to improve learner confidence within the use of IT. All
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learners and staff have been given basic training on using the tills. It may be useful to offer refresher
training to users who feel they need help with it and this is something we should offer. Some salons
have now got Acer Touch screen computers at the desk and salon staff can sign in and out using our
KM salon system.
KM client consultation website
A new addition to our list of resources offered to learners is an e-consultation tool. Developed in late
2010 the website was developed to help learners to interact with clients better when performing the
initial client consultation. We found it was increasingly important for the younger learners who often
lack confidence to be able to have a tool to support their first discussion with a client.
The website runs on a large touch screen Acer computer and has currently been trialled at the
Market Place salon. We are looking to introduce tablets into different salons in order to allow more
users including learners access to it.
E-induction Website
Having tried to introduce a uniform process for induction we developed a website that would be
used for induction of all staff and learners. This induction tool is a secure web based system that
allows users to progress through a series of informative steps which all learners and staff are
expected to know. There is a record on the administrative side which records completion of the
induction so that it can be logged and recorded. This has been updated and now requires synching
with other aspects of the system.
E-Tracking/Portfolio Website
We are continuing to develop a website that is used by learners alongside their logbooks to keep
track of their learning progress. By having this online it means that both learners and assessors can
access the information and that a secure backup can be kept of their data should they be unable to
find their paper logbook.
Issues that we have noticed with the E-tracking system are that although they are all being taught
how to use the website some learners are being slow to update their tracking. If their online data is
not kept up to date then the data within it is unusable. We often have to prompt learners to fill out
their tracking.
E-Tracking is not available for Beauty and nail courses as VTCT have developed an e-portfolio and
although we have had staff training on this, feedback from users and VTCT themselves has been
mixed and we are waiting for an improved version to emerge. We have a project proposal for Jisc to
develop synching for the system and an digital ILP and review as from 2012/13 the SFA accepted
electronic signatures on documents.
E-learning Surveys Website
Created to gather and analyse feedback from learners about their views on their progress and
course this system is useful in helping us evaluate our methods of teaching and courses in order to
continually improve our services. This was a separate website to the other. However, since our
subcontracting commitments to our contractors we have been using contractors learner feedback as
we have access to the results and also as it seems unfair to expose learners to a number of similar
activities. We still have a paperbased staff/ associates evaluation form.
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CPD Website
To track and monitor staff CPD and upload lesson observations. By doing this when they come to do
appraisals they will have the information needed.
KM Training Videos Website
We are currently developing a selection of videos to help the learners with their theory and practical
techniques. This project was Quantum funded. The videos are available online have been linked to
youtube and are used effectively by hairdressing learners.
KM Internal Verification Website
The IV website is for the internal verification of records. This is used to ensure moderation across our
learners training and to ensure equal marking. The IV website is currently being updated to improve
the awareness of assessors and so that they take more notice of the moderation being done.
In the training centres
Market place
In April 2011, KMT had access to the following resources which were deemed suitable to start
developing a more substantial e-learning culture. There were eight non-networked, desktop
computers fully functional at the salon. These are all connected to a black and white laser printer
over a simple network. Most computers have speakers or headphones and this feature is regularly
used by learners when viewing training videos. We are moving away from desktops now and will be
purchasing more lap tops and tablets.
Babington Lane
We currently have 4 computers at the Babington Lane salon. The main computer is used for the
client database and for emailing messages to other salons. The other two computers are used by
learners to access online resources and to word-process work. Having these extra two computers at
this training centre has benefited the learners meaning they can make more use of their free time at
the salon. Learners ‘DropBox’ their completed work into their folder which can then be accessed
from other salons and the training centre.
Access to the current workstations is in the process of being restricted to improve safe-guarding and
limit access to the internet through the use of “K9 Web protection”.
All online resources
All the websites that are available in employer salons are also available in training centres and we
positively encourage learners to find additional resources such as the ATT VLE, www.educationnet.org, www.hairdressing.ac.uk, www.scissorboy.com and www.ukhairdressers.com which they can
use to support the resources we offer.
LINX testing
This increases our flexibility and cost effectiveness of testing EKU and allows their tests to be
completed anywhere at any time.
ATT Software
We have used the ATT software package since 2009 and it has been positively received by all our
learners. It has regular updates which although have to be done manually mean that it has the latest
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information and is a very valuable resource for the learners to learn the majority of the theory they
need to support their hairdressing training. There is currently limited support for barbering learners
within the ATT software package however and as a result barbering trainee’s may feel like they don’t
have as much information available to them.
Microsoft Office / Open Office
We have Microsoft office or the free alternative Office Docs installed on all the computers used
within the KM network. This allows for word-processing, spreadsheet data and much more to be
done on all our machines. Although the files are saved locally and cannot be accessed from a central
store learners and assessors can always use these facilities.
CCTV for formative assessment
We have the capability in all our training centres to perform formative assessment from our CCTV
camera system. With a wealth of cameras at the BL, Westfield and MP salons we are able to get a
wide variety of good quality footage of training in action from our training centres. We have access
to view any footage taken at our salons from both MP and BL locations and this is useful for both
security and training purposes.
This system has more potential and is expected to be better utilised once the awarding bodies have
embraced this form of technology for assessment in a practical way.
In use by administrators
The administration of KMT is increasingly being done online with communication between salons
now usually performed either through email when not urgent or phone when a more immediate
response is needed. As part of the administration of KMT we had been using a solution called Yeti.
We found this management information system (MIS) a little over complicated and frustrating and
have developed our own MIS system. The reporting section is still not quite developed for data in all
areas.
Management information system
Our bespoke MIS system currently in development online and primarily accessed from the Market
Place office will be used to support our decision making with reports and data. Written in PHP it will
be compatible with our other online resources and we are looking to integrate it this year.
We will be looking to further develop this system so that it can be used in conjunction with the
tracking and other systems. As the MIS system is still in a testing phase it’s possible that we will need
to change some features and functionality in order to make the system function as we need to it.
There will need to be a detailed evaluation of the project to be sure it meets our needs.
Our IT Vision
BY next year, 2014 KM Training endeavour to be using ICT in a greater capacity to help facilitate elearning and give learners the most opportunity to achieve their maximum potential. Learners
should have appropriate access to resources and materials relevant to both their current and future
learning and assessment needs. Costs should be reduced and efficiency increased through a
strategically planned implementation of IT hardware and software.
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Our key goals
Action to be taken
Streamline processes, and get feedback
To build on the companies images
Centralise data storage on shared file servers
To develop MIS data capture of learners reporting to evaluate and
review provision
To further develop access to web-based vocational learning
resources through education-net and through review of
Blackboard use for distance learning
To ensure security of the system
Ensure system is responsive to ALS learners
Introduce feedback survey in addition to contact us on the KM and
KMT websites
Synch the KMT website into a more complete e-portfolio and
incorporate into one package all of our web resources
Develop our method of conducting surveys in order to gain better
learner and assessor voice with partner providers
Continue to train learners further in the use of the e-portfolio
system in the begin and develop training resources for the system
Date
Expected
Date
Completed
Ongoing
Ongoing
Ongoing
Ongoing
Ongoing
Ongoing
Ongoing
Ongoing
Ongoing
Ongoing
Ongoing
Ongoing
Ongoing
Ongoing
Dec 2013
Summer
2014
April 2014
Ongoing
SWOT analysis (2013)
If we consider existing technologies available at KM Training it is possible to formulate an analysis of
current strengths and weaknesses, as well as provide an outline of the available opportunities and
potential threats. The findings of this SWOT analysis are summarised in the table below:
Strengths
 Established course provider
 Management desire to improve provision
 Adequate space for new/ existing hardware
 Willing employer to participate
 Teachers starting to appreciate need for IT and
willingness to utilise it has increased
 Easy to use tracking system in use
 Lots of useful online resources created or in
development education-net.org
 In-house IT support available
 Effective DropBox use
 Education-net to World Skills (Jisc project)
Weaknesses
 Staff have varied levels of IT knowledge
 Learners spread geographically
 Marking online, currently still printing off hard
copies
Opportunities
 Increase in available teaching time
 Learners able to access updated technology and
resources to learn
 Establish a secure forum online
 Complete E-portfolio by synching
 VTCT e-portfolio provision if updated
 Digitalised ILP and review
 Jisc project funding bids to fund developments
Threats
 KM staff unwillingness to take on board
 Security for learners/ staff
 On-going long term costs
 Time to implement strategy
 Awarding body compliance
 Centre Quality procedures
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Technological considerations
Current systems and developments
2010
There was a lot of development of new systems in 2010. This included the tracking system, Quantum
video project and the e-consultation website.
2011
Security has been an issue and KMT are researching ways in which we can develop a forum for the
apprentices and staff to communicate in a safe environment rather than use the facility such as
BEBO or Facebook. Use of open chat rooms may expose vulnerable young apprentices and salon
staff to undesirable attention. As a method of limiting exposure to potentially harmful content, KMT
have begun installing proxy filter software called “K9 web protection” onto all salon machines. This
means that users only have access to websites deemed safe by K9 and any other website is blocked.
Websites that are not allowed by the software can be allowed by an administrator and this has had
to be done for some websites that the learners use. Some facilities have been used more than
others.
2012
Education-Net
Expansion and development as well as improvements to Hair-Net, Beauty and Holistic Net.
Development of DropBox use with the new VTCT EKU booklets.
Development of KMT website and Orchid site.
Future developments
KMT like to stay ahead of the competition when it comes to utilising IT infrastructure in our learning
methods. As such we are consistently updating our current methods and working on new ways to
engage our learners.
2013
Mobile Technology: Social Media
Mobile technology is increasing and many learners and assessors have smart phones already. As
such we want to be at the forefront of developing systems that can utilise the mobile platform and
using the platform to help improve our teaching methods. We are using Facebook as a means of
information for learners and as a form of recruitment. We have friended local radios stations and
have advertised already. It is difficult to evaluate the impact of this immediately but it is all about
raising awareness. And we will analyse this source of recruitment on our future application forms.
Websites 2013
All websites have been updated with increasing careers information, course information and
signposting links to attract learners.
Education-Net.org
Improvements to Hair-Net, Beauty and Holistic Net as well as other sites for World Skills 2013.
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2014
Mobile Technology
Develop an App for KMT and KM for users to download. Evaluate the Education-Net App and hosting
arrnagements.
2014
Project proposal to Jisc
Synch the e-portfolio system, seek approval to use it from VTCT. Create a digitialised ILP and ILP
review. Embed use of tablets, Ipad retail stands and reduce dependence on log books.
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