Identifying the needs of flexible and technology enhanced learning in Vocational and Professional Education and Training’s (VPET) workplaces

Abstract

The appropriate technology enhanced pedagogical approaches ultilising mobile and flexible technologies would generate better learning and teaching experiences in workplaces. However, there is a lack of in-depth study of Vocational and Professional Education and Training’s (VPET) students, teachers and workplace mentors’ teaching needs. With an aim to identify suitable pedagogical practices to devise suitable e-learning means for more effective learning and teaching in VPET’s workplaces, 26 interviews with students, teachers and workplace mentors were conducted to identify the support and training needs that may be required by students and teachers for the identification of specific instructional strategies to derive innovative pedagogical practices. Findings of this study revealed that due to the advances in technology, blending face-to-face teaching with e-learning or mobile learning is the current trend in VPET’s learning and teaching to accommodate flexible learning, enhance motivation and interaction. It is also suggested that Technology Enhanced Learning (TEL) together with guidance, collaboration and training would able to accommodate VPET students, teachers and workplace mentors’ learning and teaching needs. Implications are on the resources, timely technical support and updating of innovative pedagogies, training for teacher and mentor and the acceptances of the ‘new’ by the students, teachers and workplace mentors.