E-learning solution improves mine safety

Johannesburg, 23 Jul 2009

South African gold mines are increasing safety and productivity through the use of Edutouch, a touch-screen training method developed locally.

According to Edutouch, training officers at mines using the solution say they have recorded measurable worker retention of learning rising at least 60%. The method has been used successfully at Kopanang and is being piloted at other mines.

Rob Dersley, CEO of Edutouch who pioneered the method after research with Unisa's computer science department, explains that the Edutouch method allows participants to learn in whichever language they choose. “It has been tested and proven that our technology speeds up learning four times,” he states.

“The employee is able to work from either a portable touch-screen or a computer. In a group situation, a handheld wireless control similar to that used on TV game shows allows each person to record their answers,” he explains.

“It immediately informs the facilitator which section of the module the learner does not understand. The student can relearn that part only, instead of sitting through the whole course again. It is in-house so can be done during idle time and can be done in short three to five minute modules,” he continues.

Gerrie Swanepoel, a trainer at Kopanang mine near Klerksdorp says: “We've found that workers enjoy Edutouch and become competitive with their peers. They also develop a sense of pride, instead of being crushed, as some learners are when they pluck up the confidence to ask a question in a classroom setting and perhaps get laughed at.

“This system encourages the learner to learn at his or her own pace and to build confidence. We find that workers become more assertive in group settings and leadership skills readily come to the fore,” he explains.

The two-kilometre-deep goldmine is seeing consistent gains in safety and production. Kopanang mine training manager, Andre Oberholzer, says, “Some 96% of accidents are human error, only 4% are geological. We can control accidents with the right mindset and the sort of training Edutouch gives us.

“Last year the general manager challenged us to achieve 15 white flag (accident free) days a month. We achieved five of six months with 15 or more white flag days. Last year we improved safety 25%, this year we will improve that record by a further 20%,” says Oberholzer.

According to Edutouch, the solution has cut training costs dramatically. Kopanang now has six facilitators, instead of 17 a few years ago, and the facilitators have learned new skills for the electronic devices, according to the company. They write and film new inserts as safety and training standards rise and do their own voice-overs.

“We are proud that Edutouch is giving a sense of pride to South African workforces and improving skills capacity at a time when the country desperately needs to boost employment and revenues,” says Dersley.