An interactive multi-media learning program has been developed in CD-ROM format to assist learners to explore and experience the concept of thermal processing of low-acid foods and its associated calculations. The program uses animation and interactivity to explain relevant concepts of thermal processing, and includes a simulation of thermal processing in a realistic food production context.

This program was implemented this year for the first time, where small teams of learners (2-3) have been working on typical processing situations through the simulation interface. By changing the processing parameters such as product type (ie. acidity, microbial load and heat transfer mode), container size and shape, equipment type and time/temperature combinations, they evaluated the impact of the new conditions on equipment performance and product safety.

This approach in flexible learning using IT has helped learners experience a variety of "non-scheduled processing" which in a pilot plant situation are time consuming and too risky or too costly to attempt.

The interim assessment of teams was based on their attempting an "Industrial Problem" using the CD-ROM, and submitting the results in a diskette containing the calculation steps, the 'process scheduled' and justification of the product safety and 'legality'. Teams were given feedback on their submissions in tutorial debriefing sessions and after the required amendments, the "Approved Schedule" was used by each team to produce the low-acid canned product in the pilot plant. Final assessment was based on the safety and shelf-life (Commercial Sterility Tests) of the cans produced by the team.

The outcome of student learning and performance demonstrated a distinct improvement over the previous years. The analysis of these improved student learning outcomes will be presented in a poster format along with the demonstration of the Multi-media CD ROM. We can now confidently confirm that this flexible learning approach provided learners access to quality learning opportunities that helps them produce safe, legal and acceptable products, and to meet the industry standards of competency and proficiency.