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Success found in open source solution: OJT a Tōtara plugin
HWR and NZ Police evaluate their drivers on the job using a Tōtara plugin called OJT (on-the-job training). The plugin has been a great success, improving training for the learners while saving time for both organisations.
On-the-job training (OJT) enables employees to gain relevant skills or qualifications while working. OJT can be assessed in person or digitally, so Catalyst developed the OJT plugin for the Tōtara Talent Experience Platform (TXP) to support online learning. The OJT plugin enables learners to record otherwise paper-based evidence of a skill or practice. As an open-source plugin, OJT has evolved to support a range of organisations’ assessment requirements over the years. Additionally, Catalyst offers OJT as part of our core Tōtara offering.
Opportunity
H.W. Richardson Group (HWR) and NZ Police had initially recorded their assessments by hand. HWR manually processed thousands of assessments and the Police College assessments involved a lot of processes and time to collate all the results. So both organisations were already using Tōtara, then adopted OJT to deliver and manage the on-the-job assessments.
Both organisations wanted to enhance the learner experience and gain deeper insights into their progress. So they engaged with Catalyst to enrich the existing OJT plugin.
A collaborative solution
HWR approached Catalyst with requirements to improve the OJT plugin for their organisation to replace their manual in-cab driving assessments. Raechel Wilson from HWR was so pleased with the solution that she shared her experience with a Tōtara User Group. At the user group, she connected with Ann-Marie Pickles from the Police College, and a new collaboration between HWR and the Police emerged. The two worked together to identify what features could improve the plugin further. Plus, because the Tōtara plugin is open source, their collaboration meant both organisations would benefit from new feature builds to the plugin.
Key features of the additions to the OJT plugin included:
- Streamlining the admin for upcoming assessments: Now, it's easier to add the date for upcoming assessments, edit 'next assessment' dates, and include reoccurring qualifications. Plus, managers are notified when qualifications need resetting.
- Flexible assessment types: Instead of just text boxes and checklists, administrators can also use a scale. Plus,
- Expanding learning insights: Results can now be granular so administrators can customise what is presented to their learners. This enables learners to have deeper insights into where they’re at in their learning journey.
- Designing a modern look: The new design means content is more accessible digitally and in paper format.
A customised experience
- Access to learning history: Learners can now access their entire qualification history and keep track of their achievements.
- Enhanced reporting options: Administrators can export reports as a CSV streamlining the display of data to be analysed.
- Improving the user experience: Administrators can easily filter which learners need assessing by using the 'Evaluate students' filter.
- Visual cues tied to assessment statuses: By including Red Amber Green (RAG) statuses to the next assessment date reporting, it's easier to identify what assessments are overdue.
A collaborative process
Alongside the partnership between the two organisations, Catalyst delivered changes on an iterative basis. We would present each feature in isolation rather than in a lump sum at the end to provide time to test the new features through UAT. Because they could test the new features, they identified additional UX improvements as there was time to consider how they would impact other new features. The collaborative process enabled additional business needs to be identified early rather than down the track.
"Catalyst understood how important it was that the OJT needed to not be limited in its potential applications and worked with us to deliver on our requirements."
Catalyst was with us all the way
We were well supported through UAT trials and testing - and the changes that arose from these. The details, fixes, and tweaks added value to the final result.
Catalyst was with us all the way, ensuring the plugin was functional, easy to use, and worked for all parties involved - site administrators, trainers, managers, and the learners themselves.”
"We provided case studies to Catalyst so the improvements could be fit for purpose. Catalyst took the time to fully understand the complexities of what was required and worked collaboratively with us to deliver a successful outcome."
- Raechel Wilson, H.W. Richardson Group, Learning and Development Co‑ordinator
Paperless assessments
Due to the collaborative nature between HWR, the Police College, and Catalyst, we got to the core of what they needed for their OJT. After several months with OJT in action, here’s how the changes have improved their training.
Ann-Marie, from the Police, says - “The team was great to work with,” and the “time saved is a huge benefit” to their day-to-day operations. The Police College has now moved their driving training assessments completely online, which has sped up the process immensely. Because of the success with their driving training, they’re looking to see where else they can implement OJT into their processes.
Learner focused support
Catalyst has over 20 years of experience working with Tōtara, and as a Tōtara Platinum Partner, we’re well-equipped to support you with your eLearning platform. Whether you’re after additional functionality with plugins, customisations, or content development, we’ll work with you to design your solution. Contact us today for a personalised learning experience.