Testimonials from teachers and trainers

Errol Ince
Deputy Head of School of Technology
Bromley College
Bromley, Kent
England

Vehicles have evolved into highly complex machines that incorporate a wide range of new advanced technologies and it's my aim to provide students with the skills to confidently diagnose faults within these systems, particularly when dedicated fault code readers do not.

At Bromley College we offer a wide range of programmes from entry to advanced levels. We have successfully maintained high levels of performance and have been commended nationally for our teaching practices in Ofsted's Chief Inspector's Report 2010, and their Engineering Good Practice survey.

We have a significant emphasis on our outstanding practices around the use of e-learning resources to develop and stimulate students' understanding in-class and for home study, of which Electude's Argo software has been a significant part. Argo has developed our teacher-led tuition into personalised students' web-based use and has helped to provide an individualized approach to learning where students are able to learn the skills that they need in their workplace to maximise customers' satisfaction, through accurate diagnosis of faults with enhanced understanding of the capabilities and use of a wide range testing equipment.

At the college we have a long history of using a wide range of vocational software programs, which have been effective in extending our students' understanding of technologies. Argo adds a new dimension of learning for our students; enabling them to practice their diagnostic skills in a simulated, but realistic 'gaming format', making learning 'fun', which they relate to well and learn the essential skills. Time-savings are achieved through the instant removal and connection of components and test equipment, where correct diagnostics require interpretation of readings as opposed to the laboured removal of components and panels to access test points.

However, a further appreciation of available test points and removal of panels with a wider variant of vehicles' systems and engines would greatly enhance students' understanding and appreciation of the wide range of systems that manufacturers' use.

One of the pleasantly surprisingly things about Argo is the audible sounds of vehicle faults and real-life connection of faults with vehicle systems, such has engine fault warning light illumination, and having access to ECU pins is truly exceptional. Additionally, the removal of fuel pressure control regulator vacuum pipe on fuel pressure is good, but the removal of fuel line in demonstrating fuel leakage is outstanding, but would benefit from a consequence, such as fire!

I would advise other tutors to use the virtual simulator in no faults to identify correct operation and readings and then introduce increasing levels of complexity of faults, leading to individual fault web based analysis for the more advanced learners.

In general Argo greatly enthuses my advanced students and immediately engages all who see it. This is due to the high quality reactive sounds and images.

About Errol Ince

Errol Ince served a conventional motor vehicle apprenticeship with a Volvo dealership; where he progressed into management, having successfully completed higher level engineering qualifications. At the age of 24 he went into teaching with the aim of providing the highest levels of training that bridged the practical skills students' learned at work with the skills needed for actual complex diagnostics.

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