Many registered training organisations (RTOs) plan to deliver more online training even after the constraints arising from the COVID-19 pandemic eventually subside.
The research The online delivery of VET during the COVID-19 pandemic: part 2 from the National Centre for Vocational Education Research (NCVER) provides an extensive analysis of the implications of lockdowns and restrictions to VET teaching and assessments through a survey of 1,247 RTOs and in-depth interviews.
Results show that 61.8% of RTOs surveyed intend to use more blended online and face-to-face learning in the future, and 22.1% are likely to permanently shift more units or parts of qualifications online.
The shift to online VET delivery presented both challenges and opportunities for RTOs. Training courses with a high proportion of practical components were particularly challenging to shift online, with many RTOs transitioning theoretical components online while delaying practical elements.
Subjects with emotive topics such as suicide risk, child protection and family and domestic violence were also challenging to transfer online, as RTOs were concerned about their ability to provide duty of care for students when delivering content of this nature.
Although the shift to online VET delivery brought challenges, around three-quarters of the RTOs surveyed indicated that it provided opportunities. They were able to review training quality and effectiveness, as well as innovate and be creative.
The research highlights that RTOs need to ensure that their plans for online delivery reflect not only students’ needs but also the suitability or otherwise of training material for online delivery. A companion report Insights for delivering VET online outlines practical pointers for designing and implementing training that is fully or partially online.
Quotes attributable to Simon Walker, Managing Director, NCVER
- The VET sector has been responsive to the challenges brought by the COVID-19 pandemic, with many RTOs able to shift their training delivery online. However, the suitability of online training delivery in VET is nuanced and needs to be considered at the unit level, rather than the skill set, qualification, or training package level.
- There is a need to balance long-term changes to VET delivery modes with the potential impacts these could have on student experience and outcomes.
The online delivery of VET during the COVID-19 pandemic: part 2 and Insights for delivering VET online are available from https://www.ncver.edu.au/research-and-statistics/publications.
Enquiries: Mariane Umali M: 0406 824 184 E: marianeumali@ncver.edu.au
About NCVER: we are the main provider of research, statistics and data on Australia’s VET sector. Our services help promote better understanding of VET and assist policy makers, practitioners, industry, training providers, and students to make informed decisions.
This work has been produced by NCVER on behalf of the Australian Government and state and territory governments, with funding provided through the Australian Government Department of Education, Skills and Employment.