Success Factors in Introducing Distance, Flexible & eLearning in Technical and Vocational Skills Development

Abstract

The EduVision 2011 International Conference 1-2 December 2011 Jamaica Conference Center, Kingston, Success Factors in introducing Distance, Flexible and eLearning into Technical and Vocational Skills Development, Alison Mead Richardson, Education Specialist Skills Development, Commonwealth of Learning // Through working with eleven partner institutions in six African countries, Commonwealth of Learning is supporting the achievement of national education objectives through local solutions using educational media and technology in technical and vocational education and training (TVET). Lessons have been learned about the process which may be useful in other national contexts. We begin by looking at the drivers for ICT in TVET and how ICT is being integrated. The paper proposes a four-dimensional model for assessing institutional readiness for new approaches which facilitate the best opportunities for success. It describes how a combination of online and face-to-face training coupled with the development of a community of practice on a social networking platform is contributing to individual, institutional and system development. Although still in the early stages of this work, a formative evaluation of the process of introducing distance, flexible and elearning into TVET has revealed a set of success factors which may be useful for consideration in other countries. Finally, opportunities for partnerships between educational consortia and ICT companies, to support technology use in TVET, are explored.