World of work on CD-ROM
World of work on CD-ROM
Keywords Career guidance, CD-ROM,Education, Guidance, Work
Optimum Learning, the open learning and organization development specialists, is transferring its expertise in developing interactive learning programmes for industry to the education sector, by launching a CD-ROM-based interactive learning resource to help schoolchildren and their careers advisers gain a valuable, virtual experience of the world of work.
Called The World of Work, the programme allows users to visit various businesses in "Virtual City".
As with any flourishing city, there is always room for business growth. Consequently, businesses which are interested in recruiting school leavers and would like to be featured in"Virtual City" should contact Optimum Learning.
In "Virtual City", users can interview trainees and managers to find out about what jobs entail and career opportunities within a particular industry.
In addition, the programme offers information about jobs, entry requirements and the personal qualities and competences required of job holders.
"For example, users can visit the hairdressing salon and interview its trainee, Tracey Matthews, and Ron, the salon manager", explains the programme's developer, Nick Moseley of Optimum Learning.
"They can ask each of these people questions about the job, the industry and careers opportunities;they can investigate the salon and also check on the job's responsibilities and duties including telephone techniques, how to accept payment, how to prepare, wash and shampoo hair and so on."
According to Phil Green of Optimum Learning: "The World of Work provides an insight into the opportunities offered by various career choices and an opportunity for users to interview real job holders and discover their views on things such as conditions of work and what motivates them. It also helps users to increase their self-awareness in terms of discovering their personal strengths,weaknesses and career preferences and aspirations.
"Optimum Learning will be making this programme freely available to schools and career advisers and is actively searching for industrial sponsors to collaborate in adding businesses to The World of Work's 'Virtual City'."
The World of Workcan be played on any 486 (or above) PC with multimedia capability and can also be delivered via a network, such as the Internet or corporate intranet.
At present, "Virtual City"contains a hotel, forces recruitment office, an optician, bank, building society, surgery, health centre, fast food restaurant, show shop, travel agent and hairdresser. To date, only the hairdressing salon section has been fully developed.
For further information contact Optimum Learning Limited, The Woodlands, 703 Abbey Lane, Sheffield S11 9ND. Tel: 0114 281 6727; Fax: 0114 281 6725.
