Research in the VET Sector

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E-Learning for Small Business

ConVerge 08

Margaret GrangerThursday 4 December 2008



Benchmarking and Research

Oversees E-learning Benchmarking project

Commissioned practical research

Informs on future directions in e-learning across VET



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



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



Benchmarking and Research



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



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



Research findings: Technology

All or most employees have internet access

Internet access at work

No computersNo

internet

No computersNo

internetDial up

Broadband

Internet connection



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



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



Research findings: Training information

Proportion of respondents

Internet #1 source for e-learning information

Rarely mentioned as a source of e-learning

information



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%)



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



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



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



Contact detailsFor more information on the E-learning research:

Annie Fergusson

Business Manager, Benchmarking and Research

Email: [email protected]

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

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

Email: [email protected]

Website: flexiblelearning.net.au

Research in the VET Sector

Education

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