NOAA - National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

Training to Safeguard Protected Species

Through the TMA vehicle, techniques.org is developing courseware for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to inform commercial fishermen and vessel owners about regulations affecting protected species. These regulations include specifications about avoiding contact with protected species and caring for protected species that are caught during fishing operations.

techniques.org converted classroom curriculum into a dynamic e-learning course that is SCORM conformant. To accommodate both visual and auditory learners, the narration matches the screen text, and the screen text was written in a concise, simple style. The course is easily navigated to satisfy a wide range of learners' technology skills and includes a substantial number of images to engage the learner.

This new courseware offers advantages to both the federal agency and to vessel owners and captains. Agency representatives can easily update the course to reflect frequently changing regulations, and vessel owners and captains have the option of selecting an online course and avoiding the logistics required to attend a classroom workshop.