Best Practice Focused Occupationally-Directed Education, Training and Development Practice Prospects Linked to Workplace E-learning

Abstract

Currently, South Africa offers learning that is credit bearing and directly linked to workplace based learning programmes and qualifications. However, e-learning in South Africa is under-developed, and information is not readily available on how universities and colleges are dealing with the advent of e-learning, and how it is linked to occupational learning based qualifications.

Learning has changed over the years, but it is assumed that the e-learning model is aimed at people who are technologically more knowledgeable, and who wish to interact electronically with the learning experience.

Considering the various challenges linked to all types of learning, providing critical research on the success of implementing an e-learning approach is required. In addition to this, it is necessary to identify the efficacy of such a model in specific industries.

 Challenges are identified but not limited to:

a)     The profile of the learner

b)     Computer literacy of learners

c)     Socio-economic status of learners

d)     Collecting evidence from workplace

e)     Learner motivation and its management

Occupationally Directed Education Training and Development Practice is an innovative opportunity to create e-learning opportunities that are contextualized to industry specific needs. In addition to this, e-learning is no longer linked to a computer but all forms of devices that enable user interaction. Enabling learning to be shared through phones and tablets provides continuous opportunities for improvement of education and access to such education.

In response to these needs, the e-learning model will attempt to offer learners support specifically for those in an industry where there are time constraints.

This research attempts to clarify the debates that industry and academia are engaged with surrounding the efficacy of e-learning and how to create opportunities that are linked to the socio-economic status of a country. Furthermore, it provides a practical analysis of a learning intervention in which skills and knowledge are conventionally passed through workplace-based specific e-learning opportunities.