Conventional apprenticeships and older methods of professional training are not providing enough skilled workers - governments, companies and colleges are now using open and distance learning to fill these gaps. Published in association with the Commonwealth of Learning, this unique review provides detailed analysis of worldwide experiences of vocational training and distance education. It looks at recent policy and practice at different levels - from transnational programmes and national policies to institutional and programme models. Offering guidance on how distance education and new technologies are being used to support vocational education and training, this book will help senior institutional managers and policy makers to understand and appreciate: * the role distance education can play in increasing skills levels in young people and the existing workforce * the challenges in using educational technologies, and distance education to deliver vocational education and training * how to devise effective policies to meet these challenges.

Drawing on case studies, this volume highlights the common problems encountered by educators who must provide vocational training at a distance from their pupils. The contributors discuss the impact of modern technology on education and consider the future role of distance education methods.

This text reviews the strategies adopted in a range of behaviourist approaches to the setting and realization of standards - identifying the background from which they emerged and ways in which they might be further developed.

This book introduces, rationalizes and describes some ways to circumvent the challenges of providing ‘hands-on’ learning when programmes with practice-based focuses have to be offered via distance learning. It presents a framework to help deconstruct the many aspects of ‘learning to become’ a professional or practitioner. Then, it demarcates the skills, knowledge and attributes towards ensuring learners are prepared for the exigencies of the future of work. The book details the types of pedagogical approaches, including project/inquiry/problem-based learning, which help assist learners to learn both the competencies and capabilities required. It introduces technology-enhanced learning (TEL) platforms and tools supporting ‘education 4.0’, and presents a series of contemporary research studies on the integration of TEL, which are augmented and updated to allow for the challenges of provisioning opportunities for ‘learning by doing’ through distance learning. Finally, the book proposes recommendations to help ensure that institutions are better prepared for the sustainable shift to distance learning.

Report on distance study and the impact of technological change in educational technology on teaching methods for adult education - covers the use of microcomputers, video recordings, sound recordings, and mass media; examines collaboration between public broadcasting and educational institutions, incl. Trends in educational television in the UK; comments on the role of telecommunications consortia in sharing the cost of distance study, accrued interest in vocational training programmes, the target group, and research. Bibliography, glossary.

Recoge: 1. Qualification requirements and continuing education in small and medium-sized enterprises - 2. The supply position in distance learning and the relevance of distance learning to qualification in small and medium-sized enterprises - 3. Case studies.

Provides an authoritative reference collection on leading international insights into the integration of technology tools and applications with adult and vocational instruction.