The Australian Flexible Learning Framework has recently released a report by Professor Victor Callan of the University of Queensland. The report titled 'How organisations are using e-learning to support national training initiatives' examines how e-learning is providing more responsive, flexible and effective approaches to training particularly in the areas of skills shortage.
For this report Blue Dog Training was chosen as one of only 3 Case studies across Australia.
The major findings of the report come as no surprise to Blue Dog Training or the employers and apprentices currently using the service. The findings include:
- Employers clearly want more work-based training, with less time spent in off-the-job training and shorter completion times for apprenticeships.
- E-learning capability is a key factor in an organisation's ability to innovatively support national training initiatives.
- Training organisations are making clever use of e-learning technologies to cover various aspects of underpinning knowledge in apprenticeships.
- The stainless steel, gas, bakery and building and construction industries are acting as drivers for change, with the greater flexibility and workplace-based nature of e-learning better suiting small to medium-sized enterprises.
- There are trade-offs for e-learning, including higher demands around collaboration between all stakeholders, and students expecting to see training that uses technologies they are comfortable with.
- In the future, social networking tools will be central in providing greater support for learners as they complete more of their training away from the direct support of their teachers and fellow learners
The final paragragh in the Case Study by Professor Callan sums up the Blue Dog Training journey from initial vision to national recognition.
"Blue Dog Training has learnt that a cutting edge system such as theirs can be viewed initially with suspicion. There were concerns in the early days and a need to prove themselves was often evident. Now however, because of its transparency and commitment to quality education and training, the market is coming to recognise Blue Dog Training as a benchmark for future developments in online training. Over 1,100 apprentices and their employers are a testament to their success. This success is proving a lesson in itself with a large variety of other industry areas now keen to have similar quality solutions to their training needs."
