Abstract
This paper discusses the possibilities of using mobile and flexible technologies to enhance workplace learning in vocational education and training (VET). It also proposes a number of innovative pedagogical practices enabled by technologies to facilitate better learning and teaching experiences for VET students and mentors in workplaces. While mobile and flexible technologies emphasise self-paced online and virtual learning experiences, VET stresses the mastery of hands-on skills and practices in authentic workplaces. The findings of this study show that, despite the need for innovative pedagogical practices, an increase in the effectiveness of mobile and flexible technologies relies on the instructional design of the trade-specific learning and teaching materials, as well as the readiness of students, teachers and workplace mentors.
Access this chapter
Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout
Purchases are for personal use only
References
Australian Education International. (2010). Outline of China’s national plan for medium and long-term education reform and development (2010–2020). Beijing.
Bank, V. (2013). On the essentials of the ‘dual system’ of vocational and professional education. Unpublished.
BBC News. (2009). Vocational exams on the increase. Retrieved from http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/education/8115674.stm
Choy, S. (2006). Benefits of e-leaning benchmarks: Australian case studies. Technical report, Australian flexible learning framework, DEST.
Dandolopartners. (2011). Global trends in vocational education and training. National Conference of the Australian TAFE Directors Association.
Deissinger, T. (1997). The German dual system – A model for Europe. Education and Training, 39(8), 297–302.
Errington, E. (2001). The influence of teacher beliefs on flexible learning innovation in traditional university setting. In F. Lockwood & A. Gooley (Eds.), Innovation in open and distance learning. Successful development of online and web-based learning (pp. 27–37). London: Kogan Page Limited.
Errington, E. (2004). The impact of teacher beliefs on flexible learning innovation: Some practices and possibilities for academic developers. Innovations in Education and Teaching International, 41(1), 39–47.
Evans, T. D. (2001). Two approaches to workplace flexible delivery and assessment in rural community. Australian and New Zealand Journal of Vocational Education Research, 9(2), 1–22.
Hong Kong Special Administration Region. (2014). The 2014 policy address – Support the needy, let youth flourish, unleash Hong Kong’s potential.
Jenkins, H., Klopfer, E., Squire, K., & Tan, P. (2003). Entering the education arcade. Computers in Entertainment (CIE), 1(1), 8.
John, P. (2002). Teaching and learning with ICT: New technology, new pedagogy? Paper presented at the BERA conference. University of Exeter, UK.
John, P. (2005). The sacred and the profane: Subject sub-culture, ‘pedagogical practice and teachers’ perceptions of the classroom uses of ICT. Educational Review, 57(4), 469–488.
Lave, J., & Wenger, E. (1991). Situated learning: Legitimate peripheral participation. New York: Cambridge University Press.
Lee, C., Lam, S., & Liu, A. (2014). Enhancement of psychomotor skills through flexible learning in nursing education: A quasi-experimental study on respirator donning. In K. S. Yuen & K. C. Li (Eds.), Emerging modes and approaches in open and flexible education. Hong Kong: Open University of Hong Kong Press.
Liu, Y., Han, S., & Li, H. (2010). Understanding the factors driving m-learning adoption: A literature review. Campus-Wide Information System, 27(4), 210–226.
McLuhan, M. (1964). Understanding media: The extensions of man. New York: McGraw Hill.
Ministry of Manpower, Singapore Government. (2010). Continuing education and training.
NCVER. (2011). Australian vocational education and training statistics: Young people in education and training 2010. Adelaide: NCVER.
Ng, R., & Leung, C. (2014). An empirical study on using web-based social media to build a learning community. In K. S. Yuen & K. C. Li (Eds.), Emerging modes and approaches in open and flexible education. Hong Kong, Hong Kong: Open University of Hong Kong Press.
Rauner, F., & Maclean, R. (Eds.). (2008). Handbook of technical and vocational education and training research. New York: Springer.
Robertson, I. (2007). Technology-based learning: problematising VET students’ preferences and readiness. In Refereed paper presented at 2007 AVETRA conference (pp. 11–13). Melbourne, Australia: Victoria University Footscray Park.
Sangster, A., Maclaran, P., & Marshall, S. (2000). Translating theory into practice: Facilitating work-based learning through IT. Innovations in Education and Training International, 37, 50–57.
Smith, P. J. (2003). Workplace learning and flexible delivery. Review of Educational Research, 73(1), 53–88.
Smith, P. J. (2006). Flexible delivery and apprentice training: Preferences, problems and challenges. Journal of Vocational Education and Training, 52(3), 483–503.
Stehlik, T. (2003). Professional development in online learning and flexible delivery in the VET sector–issues for assessment and evaluation. In ATN evaluations and assessment conference, Adelaide, South Australia.
Tang, J., Pang, W., & Wong, P. (2014). Enabling a flexible university education through an augmented reality interactive interface. In K. S. Yuen & K. C. Li (Eds.), Emerging modes and approaches in open and flexible education. Hong Kong, Hong Kong: Open University of Hong Kong Press.
Tremblay, D. G., & Le Bot, I. (2003). The German dual apprenticeship system. Analysis of its evolution and present challenges. Research Note no. 2003-4A. Chaire de Recherche du Canada sur les Enjeux Socio-organisationnels de L’economie du Savior.
Tsang, E., Yuen, K., & Cheung, P. (2014). Effective instructional design for mobile learning. In K. S. Yuen & K. C. Li (Eds.), Emerging modes and approaches in open and flexible education. Hong Kong, Hong Kong: Open University of Hong Kong Press.
van Merriënboer, J. J. (2001). ID for competency-based learning: New directions for design, delivery and diagnosis. Interactive Educational Multimedia, 3, 12–26.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Corresponding author
Editor information
Editors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
Copyright information
© 2018 Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd.
About this chapter
Cite this chapter
Ng, R.Y.K., Lam, R.Y.S. (2018). Using Mobile and Flexible Technologies to Enhance Workplace Learning in Vocational Education and Training (VET). In: Li, K., Yuen, K., Wong, B. (eds) Innovations in Open and Flexible Education. Education Innovation Series. Springer, Singapore. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-10-7995-5_8
Download citation
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-10-7995-5_8
Published:
Publisher Name: Springer, Singapore
Print ISBN: 978-981-10-7994-8
Online ISBN: 978-981-10-7995-5
eBook Packages: EducationEducation (R0)