John Clayton and Richard Elliott
E-Learning - Targeted Training
Workforces are increasingly recognising the flexibility and convenience of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) tools and e-learning programs. These applications can provide and improve training skills by targeting the right person at the right time.
Dr John Clayton and Richard Elliott, from Wintec's Emerging Technologies Centre, undertook a research project investigating current e-learning activities in Aotearoa/New Zealand Industry Training Organisations (ITOs), with the help of a grant from the Tertiary e-Learning Research Fund (TeLRF).
The main objective of the study was to increase awareness in the ITO sector regarding the development and delivery of effective, cost efficient and educationally sound, work-based and work-placed e-learning. The pace of change within this industry is rapid and elearning initiatives need to match this to be effective.
"Our country has to move at its own pace, according to our individual e-learning strategies and needs. We can't compete with the Chinas of the world," explains John Clayton.
John and Richard also worked in conjunction with the Electricity Supply Industry Training Organisation (ESITO) on a similar research project.
To ensure accuracy and rigour were applied to the research outcomes and processes, national and international review panels were set up to provide feedback, involving countries such as USA, Canada and Denmark.
The research project took nine months to complete and found a significant majority of industry training organisations are still coming to terms with the concept.
Few New Zealand training organisations are actually using e-learning initiatives actively and are therefore missing out on the advantages, such as the convenience of being able to access online resources or engage in online training activities.
John explains these applications are not just bound to the internet, which is a common misconception. They can involve all types of electronic technologies such as conference calling, video streaming and simulators.
A number of barriers were identified as preventing the uptake of e-learning with cost, time, support and access to the right equipment and infrastructures arising as the main issues.
The final report of this project emphasised the benefits of e-learning applications and made recommendations to increase the uptake by ITOs, to facilitate New Zealand remaining a competitive country.
Their exciting research is ongoing and matches government initiatives to further e-learning in New Zealand and to examine how e-learning is currently used around the globe.