Edition 63, December 2008

E-learning on the rise in the training system


A new era is emerging in the national training system, with the results of a national survey revealing that 91 per cent of students and 88 per cent of teachers and trainers saying their vocational education and training (VET)delivery includes some form of e-learning.

Conducted annually by the Australian Flexible Learning Framework, the national training system�s e-learning strategy, the E-learning Benchmarking Survey measures the uptake, use and impact of e-learning within VET across Australia.

The survey also highlighted a solid increase in the uptake of e-learning by registered training organisations (RTOs), with 36 per cent of VET activity in RTOs now formally involving e-learning, compared to just 3-4 per cent in 2003-2004.

The 2008 results have recorded an increase in every key e-learning indicator measured by the survey which is distributed to all states and territories.

Other key findings for 2008 include:

  • 94 per cent of VET students want a component of e-learning in their course (i.e. blended learning).
  • 53 per cent of VET students said e-learning was a factor in their choice of course and 47 per cent said it was a factor in their choice of RTO.
  • 65 per cent of VET students thought e-learning in their course would in the future help them to get a better job, a promotion or more responsibility in their job.
  • 71 per cent of VET teachers/trainers said the e-learning resources they accessed enhanced their teaching
  • 69 per cent of VET teachers/trainers said e-learning had made learning more interesting for their students.
  • 30 per cent of RTOs said e-learning was incorporated into the overall business strategy and 9 per cent had a stand alone e-learning strategy.

The results highlight the fact that VET students today want a blended learning experience.

This includes activities such as downloading learning materials and resources, use of multimedia interactive learning objects, electronic submission of work, online assessment, and the use of web 2.0, mobile and voice technologies.

More detailed analysis of the information gathered through the 2008 survey, including the use of e-learning in different vocational areas and state/territory breakdowns, will be published over the next three months.

For a full copy of the 2008 E-learning Benchmarking Survey visit www.flexiblelearning.net.au/e-learningindicators

For more information contact the Australian Flexible Learning Framework on 07 3307 4700, enquiries@flexiblelearning.net.au or visit www.flexiblelearning.net.au

This page was generated on 26 August, 2009