ERIC Number: ED471156
Record Type: Non-Journal
Publication Date: 2002-Nov
Pages: 13
Abstractor: N/A
ISBN: ISBN-1-74096-107-2
ISSN: N/A
EISSN: N/A
Available Date: N/A
Flexibility through Online Learning. At a Glance.
National Centre for Vocational Education Research, Leabrook (Australia).
Research funded by the Flexible Learning Advisory Group during 2000-2002 on issues related to online learning and delivery in vocational education and training in Australia was consolidated. Key findings included the following: (1) most students who experienced online learning did so in a conventional class, using face-to-face and other strategies as well as online methodologies, which makes it was difficult to evaluate how much online learning actually took place; (2) although online delivery was more expensive than conventional approaches, it was more likely to deliver better learning outcomes and higher learner satisfaction levels; and (3) learners valued online learning for its flexibility ("just in time, just enough, and just for me"), opportunities to communicate with teachers and peers, responsiveness of teachers, organization of programs, and up-to-date resources and materials. Teachers also were positive but recognized the need for support to ensure more effective online learning. These strategies were identified as necessary to the successful adoption of online delivery: (1) computer literacy courses; (2) cost reduction approaches through more effective management; (3) use of electronic business approaches that focus on user satisfaction; (4) teacher professional development; and (5) improved funding models. (Contains 1 figure and 17 references.) (AJ)
Descriptors: Business Communication, Computer Literacy, Computer Mediated Communication, Computer Uses in Education, Cost Effectiveness, Course Evaluation, Curriculum Design, Delivery Systems, Developed Nations, Educational Change, Educational Finance, Educational Resources, Educational Strategies, Educational Technology, Educational Trends, Feedback, Flexible Progression, Flexible Scheduling, Foreign Countries, Inservice Teacher Education, Instructional Materials, Intermode Differences, Learning Experience, Online Courses, Outcomes of Education, Participant Satisfaction, Peer Relationship, Postsecondary Education, Program Effectiveness, Student Attitudes, Teacher Attitudes, Teacher Response, Teacher Student Relationship, Teaching Methods, Vocational Education
National Centre for Vocational Education Research, 252 Kensington Road, Leabrook, South Australia 5068, Australia (Cat. no. 885; free). Tel: 08 8333 8400; Fax: 08 8331 9211; e-mail: vet_req@ncver.edu.au; Web site: http://www.ncver.edu.au. For full text: http://www.ncver.edu.au/research/proj/nr1F12/nr1F12.pdf.
Publication Type: Information Analyses; Numerical/Quantitative Data
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: National Centre for Vocational Education Research, Leabrook (Australia).
Identifiers - Location: Australia
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A
Author Affiliations: N/A