2010 E-learning benchmarking survey

e-learning is now an integral part of training both for Australian businesses and the vocational education and training (VET) system. Conducted annually by the Australian Flexible Learning Framework (Framework), the 2010 E-learning Benchmarking Survey measures the uptake, use and demand for e-learning by employers, registered training organisations (RTOs) and VET teachers and trainers. It also allows participants to benchmark their own e-learning activities at a national, state, industry and training provider level. Key findings include: · 50% of employers surveyed now use e-learning as part of the training they provide to their employees. · Around 60% of teachers and trainers said that e-learning has made learning more interesting and engaging for their students, and more than half said that e-learning has improved their teaching. · More than two-thirds of RTOs use learning management systems, online student management systems, online professional development and/or online compliance training as part of their business processes. · 73% of teachers and trainers use interactive learning resources in the classroom and 66% have students use these resources outside the classroom – in the workplace, at home or wherever the student is connected.   While the survey provides excellent examples of e-learning delivering more flexible, engaging and better quality training, it also identifies three main challenges to e-learning in VET: ·Building capacity in small RTOs – providing adequate resources to encourage the uptake of e-learning in small RTOs. While there are pockets of excellence across industry; there are also areas where e-learning materials and use of technology could be improved. · Strategic use of e-learning – encouraging the incorporation of e-learning into RTO business strategies. · Delivering flexibility and quality – communicating that e-learning should be used to enhance quality training, not just flexibility