Technology trial develops valuable RFID tool

A new RFID (radio frequency identification) software program designed specifically for PDAs (personal digital assistants) is now available for FREE online.

The software, which is a working framework for using RFID technology on a PDA, fills a market gap as RFID software programs currently available off-the-shelf are designed solely for pocket laptops.

Training providers can use the new software as a starting point for using a RFID reader and tags to trigger a multimedia presentation on a PDA. The source code for the software is supported by comprehensive technical and equipment recommendations.

Developed by Wodonga TAFE with funding and support from the national training system’s e-learning strategy, the Australian Flexible Learning Framework (Framework), the trial demonstrated the technology by delivering a self-guided induction tour of an industrial workshop for apprentice cabinet makers.

Learners were provided with a PDA (loaded with safety and/or training content), which they used to swipe RFID tags that were attached to equipment in a cabinet making workshop. Swiping the tags triggered multimedia presentations on their PDA demonstrating how to use the equipment safely.

Project manager Jon Bowdery said that Wodonga TAFE is currently building on the outcomes of the trial, using different equipment and trialling off-the-shelf RFID readers and software. 

“We’re exploring using a different mobile device, the netbook, to deliver enhanced multimedia presentations triggered by RFID tags. We also plan to further enhance the software program we developed last year for PDAs by incorporating an assessment component.”

The RFID and the asynchronous student report contains the source code for the RFID/PDA software, as well as the recommendations and specifications from the trial. The report can be accessed for free via the Framework’s E-standards for Training website, at: http://flexiblelearning.net.au/e-standards

For more information about the Framework, its products, resources and support networks, visit http://flexiblelearning.net.au

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Published on 18/06/2009