The latest National Centre for Vocational Education Research (NCVER) research explores the similarities and differences between effective online training practices and traditional classroom approaches. The report, titled “Effective teaching practices and student support services in Online VET,” takes a deep dive into eight case-study qualifications, spanning from Certificate II to Diploma levels. Its primary aim is to uncover the unique characteristics and methods of online teaching across a diverse range of training settings.
While online training shares common elements with classroom approaches, its implementation can vary significantly due to the diverse nature of training environments, student groups, qualification types, and industry settings. The research revealed that effective online training defies a “one-size-fits-all” approach.
Unveiling Effective Online Training: The Five Common Traits
Simplicity, Clarity, and Consistency
In the online setting, where immediate communication with trainers may be limited, providing clear learning tasks, assignments, and course navigation is crucial. User-friendly technology, relevant information provision, clear instructions, and intuitive and easy-to-navigate materials are paramount to facilitating a seamless learning experience.
Development of Varied and Engaging Learning Material
Engaging students is essential in promoting active participation in online learning. Registered training organisations (RTOs) employed various learning materials, including written content, videos, quizzes, collaborative spaces, images/diagrams, and practical tasks. Developing effective online training materials requires careful consideration of training requirements, different learning styles, digital literacy levels, contextualisation, and the use of micro-learning approaches.
Communication and Engagement
To combat learner isolation, strong communication and engagement strategies are vital. Synchronous training relied on personal stories, regular phone calls, video meetings, interactive sessions, and active student participation. Asynchronous courses required introductory phone calls, comprehensive course information, multi-channel communication, and proactive student contact to foster engagement.
Flexibility
Online training offers flexibility, which students highly value. RTOs demonstrated flexibility by scheduling live sessions around students’ commitments, adjusting due dates based on individual needs, and providing in-person options when possible. Adapting to students’ unique circumstances ensures a supportive learning environment.
Proactive and Personalised Student Support
Timely and effective student support is a key success factor in online VET. Identifying students in need of additional support can be challenging. RTOs utilised pre-enrollment questionnaires, learning management systems, observations, communication, and employer contact to identify students requiring assistance. Best practice student support involved individualised, flexible support tailored to students’ needs, with proactive contact via preferred communication channels.
As the education landscape continues to evolve, these five common traits provide valuable guidance for educators, learners, and institutions seeking to optimise the potential of online learning. By embracing these principles, RTOs can pave the way for a future where effective online education is accessible, engaging, and empowering for all.
