Research in the VET Sector
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Transcript of Research in the VET Sector
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E-Learning for Small Business
ConVerge 08
Margaret GrangerThursday 4 December 2008
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Benchmarking and Research
Oversees E-learning Benchmarking project
Commissioned practical research
Informs on future directions in e-learning across VET
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E-Learning Benchmarking Survey
Uptake of e-learning in the VET sector
3%4%
7%
17%
29%
35%
0%
5%
10%
15%
20%
25%
30%
35%
40%
2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008
% o
f V
ET
en
rolm
ents
th
at i
nvo
lve
e-le
arn
ing
Full copy of report and survey results at:http://e-learningindicators.flexiblelearning.net.au/survey_results08.htm
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2008 Research
Impact of e-learning on development of employability skills
Impact of e-learning champions in the embedding of e-learning within organisations
How e-learning can support national training initiatives
Review of Framework research outcomes and priorities
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Benchmarking and Research
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e-Learning and Small Business
Literature reviewTraining and e-learning in small business
National telephone survey of 300 small businessesProperty and Business Services, Retail, Construction and ManufacturingThese sectors account for >60% of all small businessesSmall business = 0-19 employees
Case studiesFurther insights into training practices and e-learning perceptions
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What the literature saidSmall business training focused on
short-term “bite size chunks” to meet immediate business needs
Employees learn by doing “on the job” (not perceived as “training”)
Indifferent to formal or certified training
E-learning can deliver training when and where it is required
Blended solutions preferred, linked to face-to-face instruction and experiential learning
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Research findings: Technology
All or most employees have internet access
Internet access at work
No computersNo
internet
No computersNo
internetDial up
Broadband
Internet connection
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Research findings: Focus of training
Learning from peers, observation
Product knowledge
Short courses,
conferences, seminars
Industry training (VET,
professional, tertiary)
InformalFormal
On-the-job
Off-the-job
RPL/RCC
Source: Small Businesses and Industry Training: Individualised approaches that work, Fraser, T, NZ Industry Training Federation, Nov 2005
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Research findings: Training providers
60% of respondents reported no relationship with a training provider
Those reporting a relationship with a training provider:
Professional college or industry association (17%)
TAFE institute (14%)
Private training provider (11%)
Group training organisation (9%)
More likely to have aggressive growth objectives
Larger businesses
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Research findings: Training information
Proportion of respondents
Internet #1 source for e-learning information
Rarely mentioned as a source of e-learning
information
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Research findings: Barriers to e-learning
33% of respondents – “no barriers”
Most commonly cited barriers:
Time (20%) [Includes time to research, time to implement]
E-learning is ineffective (13%)
Cost (12%)
Not applicable (12%)
Lack of computer skills or facilities (7%)
Prefer face-to-face learning (6%)
Nothing suitable (5%)
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What the case studies saidMost staff have access to
broadband internet
Staff learn from others on-the-job in response to business needs
Training is highly specific to business
Suppliers commonly use e-learning tools (CD-ROM, online) combined with
hands-on training sessions
Open to concept of e-learning, but concerned about relevance and
effectiveness
There is value in spending time with
owners/managers to explore training options
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Good Practice Guidelines
Each small business is unique
The owner/manager is the key determinant of culture and direction
Training solutions should meet immediate business needs
Messages about e-learning benefits need to be consistent
Small business is time poor
Review and refine good practice guidelines
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Opportunities
Address the gap in e-learning awareness
Demonstrate relevance and effectiveness of e-learning to meet specific needs of small business “communities”
Focus on needs of growth businesses
Create positive e-learning experiences for owners/managers
Gain support and endorsement from industry bodies
Focus on blended solutions with opportunities for personal instruction and group interaction
Greatest challenges in
manufacturing and construction
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Contact detailsFor more information on the E-learning research:
Annie Fergusson
Business Manager, Benchmarking and Research
Email: [email protected]
Read the research report: flexiblelearning.net.au/research
For information on the Australian Flexible Learning Framework:Phone: (07) 3307 4700
Email: [email protected]
Website: flexiblelearning.net.au