The Use of e-Learning in Vocational Education and Training (VET): Systematization of Existing Theoretical Approaches

Vera Belaya

doi:10.5539/jel.v7n5p92

Abstract

Vocational education and training (VET) has been facing a lot of challenges lately in the context of geostrategic forces that are shaping our world. Recent technological changes, combined with shifts in global economic power, accelerating urbanization, and demographic changes have put pressure on the VET to become more responsive to the needs of the labour market and society. E-learning has been seen as an effective way of improving the quality of teaching and learning in VET schools due to its various forms. Nevertheless, there has been some disagreement in the litearture on the advantages and disadvantages of the use of of e-learning in VET. Besides, some studies recently reported a decline in enthusiasm about the effects of e-learning in companies. In order to closely examine the effects of e-learning in VET, we conduct a literature review. We then carry out a discussion of the pros and cons with the aim of developing suggestions for the better use of e-learning in VET. The results of the litearture review show that learners and providers of e-learning benefit from it in different ways. In order to minimise the risks involved in using e-learning, a mixture of online and face-to-face events could be used, and adjusted pedagogical concepts should be designed and developed explicitly for e-learning.

Highlights

1.1 Statement of the ProblemMany companies are facing increasing skill demands, and cost and innovation pressures caused by ongoing globalisation and the internationalisation of markets
In order to meet those changing needs of the business companies Vocational education and training (VET) schools are expected to equip students with skills demanded from the companies which correspond to the latest technologies
Didactic, and organizational challenges in the design and implementation of learning opportunities It is necessary to invest in quality of the products so that the learning content has interactive elements and possibility to communicate with other learners Not all topics are suitable for teaching via electronic media, e.g. soft skills Challenges in defining the criteria for assessing virtual proficiency

Summary

Statement of the Problem

Many companies are facing increasing skill demands, and cost and innovation pressures caused by ongoing globalisation and the internationalisation of markets. The use of electronic media is, taking on a more important role In this context, new forms of teaching and learning under the umbrella term “e-learning” are becoming increasingly important in VET. In addition to the temporal and spatial flexibility offered to teachers and learners, the use of electronic media in the learning process promises to increase the motivation to learn, improve learning performance, and reduce training costs jel.ccsenet.org. Many sources of literature indicate that e-learning can improve teaching and learning in VET, its integration into existing VET programmes is seen as a complex process which involves a number of different obstacles (Balanskat et al, 2006) Those obtacles include teacher behaviour and attitude towards e-learning, as well as the need to modern technological infrastructure in VET institutions (Brolpito et al, 2016).

Objectives and Approach

Definition of e-learning

Forms of e-learning

Advantages of e-learning

Disadvantages of e-learning

Summary and Conclusions