e-learning improves employability

A new report has highlighted e-learning as a dynamic influence in shaping the vocational education and training (VET) system in the 21st century, as organisations use e-learning as a tool to embed employability skills in their education and training.
In 2008, the National Quality Council set a mandate for employability skills to be explicitly written into VET competency standards in Training Packages, highlighting the importance of teaching learners a set of good generic, transferable skills.
These skills include communication, teamwork, problem solving, initiative and enterprise, planning and organising, self management, learning, and technology.
According to this report, released by the national training system’s e-learning strategy, the Australian Flexible Learning Framework (Framework), e-learning can actively develop employability skills. Key findings include:
E-learning enables learners to take responsibility for their learning including when, where and how they want to learn. Technologies such as web-based research, podcasts, mobile learning (m-learning) and online course content assist in developing personal responsibility for their learning.
Through experiential learning techniques, such as virtual worlds, simulated material from Flexible Learning Toolboxes, and CD-ROMs containing workplace simulations, learners can be taught most employability skills via hands-on demonstrations.
Virtual classrooms, webconferencing, chat rooms and wikis are forms of cooperative learning which teach teamwork, communication and problem solving skills.
Learners are encouraged to reflect on their learning through tools such as e-portfolios, blogs and digital stories. Reflection is a key facet of developing and monitoring the learning of employability skills and how they impact on job effectiveness.
According to respondents, learning is the employability skill focused on first, often in the induction or early stages of training. E-learning enhances the teaching of this employability skill as it caters for a range of learning styles including auditory learning (audio recordings), visual learning (videos) and kinetic learning (workplace simulations).
Active ‘hands-on’ learning strategies, such as real and simulated work settings, project-based activities and role plays are the most effective means for teaching employability skills as they make the educational experience more interesting, jobs are brought alive and motivation for learning is increased.
According to Jim Davidson, Chair of the Framework's managing body, the Flexible Learning Advisory Group (FLAG), the report is an important testament to the value of e-learning in supporting the delivery of employability skills that apply across a variety of jobs and life contexts.
“Jobs today require more flexibility and teaching learners a set of transferable employability skills gives them the edge to gain and stay in employment. Incorporating e-learning as part of training allows a natural development of employability skills,” he said.
The report highlights the importance of developing teaching, learning, reporting and assessment processes for employability skills and looks at three case studies of how this is being done effectively, including:
Skills Tech Australia (QLD), which is using e-learning within a ‘front-end’ employability skills induction program for apprentices
The Electronics and Computer Systems Engineering Program (SA) at the Tea Tree Gully Campus of TAFESA, which has a comprehensive, strategic approach to fostering the employability skills using an electronic tool called LINKup
The Adult Migrant Education Service (AMES) (NSW), which uses e-learning in a model that links literacy skills with employability and technical skills in dual qualification courses.