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E-Learning for Small Business

ConVerge 08

Margaret GrangerThursday 4 December 2008

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Benchmarking and Research

Oversees E-learning Benchmarking project

Commissioned practical research

Informs on future directions in e-learning across VET

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E-Learning Benchmarking Survey

Uptake of e-learning in the VET sector

3%4%

7%

17%

29%

35%

0%

5%

10%

15%

20%

25%

30%

35%

40%

2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008

% o

f V

ET

en

rolm

ents

th

at i

nvo

lve

e-le

arn

ing

Full copy of report and survey results at:http://e-learningindicators.flexiblelearning.net.au/survey_results08.htm

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2008 Research

Impact of e-learning on development of employability skills

Impact of e-learning champions in the embedding of e-learning within organisations

How e-learning can support national training initiatives

Review of Framework research outcomes and priorities

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Benchmarking and Research

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e-Learning and Small Business

Literature reviewTraining and e-learning in small business

National telephone survey of 300 small businessesProperty and Business Services, Retail, Construction and ManufacturingThese sectors account for >60% of all small businessesSmall business = 0-19 employees

Case studiesFurther insights into training practices and e-learning perceptions

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What the literature saidSmall business training focused on

short-term “bite size chunks” to meet immediate business needs

Employees learn by doing “on the job” (not perceived as “training”)

Indifferent to formal or certified training

E-learning can deliver training when and where it is required

Blended solutions preferred, linked to face-to-face instruction and experiential learning

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Research findings: Technology

All or most employees have internet access

Internet access at work

No computersNo

internet

No computersNo

internetDial up

Broadband

Internet connection

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Research findings: Focus of training

Learning from peers, observation

Product knowledge

Short courses,

conferences, seminars

Industry training (VET,

professional, tertiary)

InformalFormal

On-the-job

Off-the-job

RPL/RCC

Source: Small Businesses and Industry Training: Individualised approaches that work, Fraser, T, NZ Industry Training Federation, Nov 2005

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Research findings: Training providers

60% of respondents reported no relationship with a training provider

Those reporting a relationship with a training provider:

Professional college or industry association (17%)

TAFE institute (14%)

Private training provider (11%)

Group training organisation (9%)

More likely to have aggressive growth objectives

Larger businesses

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Research findings: Training information

Proportion of respondents

Internet #1 source for e-learning information

Rarely mentioned as a source of e-learning

information

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Research findings: Barriers to e-learning

33% of respondents – “no barriers”

Most commonly cited barriers:

Time (20%) [Includes time to research, time to implement]

E-learning is ineffective (13%)

Cost (12%)

Not applicable (12%)

Lack of computer skills or facilities (7%)

Prefer face-to-face learning (6%)

Nothing suitable (5%)

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What the case studies saidMost staff have access to

broadband internet

Staff learn from others on-the-job in response to business needs

Training is highly specific to business

Suppliers commonly use e-learning tools (CD-ROM, online) combined with

hands-on training sessions

Open to concept of e-learning, but concerned about relevance and

effectiveness

There is value in spending time with

owners/managers to explore training options

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Good Practice Guidelines

Each small business is unique

The owner/manager is the key determinant of culture and direction

Training solutions should meet immediate business needs

Messages about e-learning benefits need to be consistent

Small business is time poor

Review and refine good practice guidelines

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Opportunities

Address the gap in e-learning awareness

Demonstrate relevance and effectiveness of e-learning to meet specific needs of small business “communities”

Focus on needs of growth businesses

Create positive e-learning experiences for owners/managers

Gain support and endorsement from industry bodies

Focus on blended solutions with opportunities for personal instruction and group interaction

Greatest challenges in

manufacturing and construction

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Contact detailsFor more information on the E-learning research:

Annie Fergusson

Business Manager, Benchmarking and Research

Email: fergusson.annie@saugov.sa.gov.au

Read the research report: flexiblelearning.net.au/research

For information on the Australian Flexible Learning Framework:Phone: (07) 3307 4700

Email: enquiries@flexiblelearning.net.au

Website: flexiblelearning.net.au