Readiness of VET clients for flexible delivery including on-line learning

This research project provides evidence that over 70 per cent of Australian vocational education and training (VET) learners lack the dispositional and skill readiness for flexible delivery, including online delivery. The study found that individual VET clients preferred traditional methods of course delivery that are college-based and teacher-directed; possessed low skill levels in computer and Internet-related tasks; and possessed low dispositional readiness for flexible delivery, including online learning. Two assumptions re flexible delivery are challenged: firstly, that flexible...  [+] Show more

This research project provides evidence that over 70 per cent of Australian vocational education and training (VET) learners lack the dispositional and skill readiness for flexible delivery, including online delivery. The study found that individual VET clients preferred traditional methods of course delivery that are college-based and teacher-directed; possessed low skill levels in computer and Internet-related tasks; and possessed low dispositional readiness for flexible delivery, including online learning. Two assumptions re flexible delivery are challenged: firstly, that flexible delivery is primarily a tool for greater cost efficiency; and, secondly, that flexible delivery and technology are synonymous. This paper also focuses on levels of learner readiness in VET. To be a successful learner requires the learner to possess certain dispositions towards learning, together with a wide range of skills for self-directed learning to take place.