Brisbane, QLB (AUS), March 2008 - The national training system's eLearning strategy, the Australian Flexible Learning Framework has published three new reports with some unexpected findings. The research has revealed "eMyths" about mature-aged workers and technology; the uptake of eLearning in registered training organisations (RTOs); and why employers are "eSmitten" with flexible learning.
One report is about eLearning for mature-aged workers. Its major finding is that this employment group, whose members often stereotyped as 'technologically challenged', are ready to take up eLearning as a way of expanding skill sets and continuing their lifelong education.
Assisting training organisations to get started in mainstream eLearning, the second report, says 57% of RTOs already include eLearning in their education- and -training programs, with the growth set to continue as knowledge of eLearning's potential spreads.
The third report, The role of employers in encouraging eLearning and flexible training delivery, reveals that more than 80% of 400 Australian employers surveyed were encouraging their staff to undertake eLearning to expand skills and gain qualifications to help overcome the skills shortage.
The Framework's Benchmarking and Research Business Manager, Annie Fergusson, said the reports furnished valuable insight for anyone interested in how eLearning can be successfully implemented within the vocational education and training (VET) system.
"The reports highlight the contribution mature-aged workers can make to the workforce, how RTOs are becoming more comfortable with eLearning, why most employers are benefiting from eLearning from an industry perspective, and the reasons some aren't", she said. "Not only do the reports give an accurate idea of how eLearning is being utilised, but they also provide case studies of why it may not be encouraged or supported, which will help to inform future VET programs."
The eLearning for the mature age worker report will be presented at the Australian Vocational Education and Training Research Association (AVETRA) conference, to be held in Adelaide on 3-4 April 2008.
