Digital evolution through eversion: nurturing a new generation of VET teacher

In 2015 the VET Development Centre (VDC) launched the Innovation in Learning Program (ILeP) - a three year Victorian [vocational education and training] VET initiative established to promote cultural change in technology integration. Its goal was to provide innovation and professional development support for practitioners using digital pedagogies. This program was informed out of applied research undertaken in 2014 where [VDC researchers] questioned what kind of professional learning specifically supported the sustained use of and the impediments to adopting digital learning technologies. A critical component of this program was a structured review and reflection process, designed for ongoing continuous improvement. The research aim in 2015 was to consider to what degree ILeP supported innovation and change for practitioners and organisations, as well as inform ways to mature the programs' roll-out in 2016.

The VDC used case studies, peer reviews, surveys, structured interviews and focus groups to evaluate the effectiveness of the first year of the program. The diversity of these different methodologies supported [their] aim to understand in what ways [their] interventions influenced the funded project outcomes and to provide [them] with valuable feedback on ways that [they] could continue to support the sector in achieving digital maturity. The participating target groups (n=130), while not statistically significant, provided [them] with a valuable opportunity to directly engage with the respondents. This methodology enabled [them] to record a rich and informative dialogue and consequently provided [them] with recommendations that can be easily transferable to the greater VET community.

This presentation will continue the conversation about ways to support technological innovation in VET. [The presenter] will share his findings from the research and offer recommendations for continued professional development in the area of cultural change and teaching innovation. [The presenter] will also offer commentary on the importance of having a clear strategy for integration, exploring the intersection at which an organisations' business and education needs crosses the pedagogic and academic requirements of teachers and students. [The] presentation will also position the VDC research outcomes juxtaposed against the current global trends in using technology for learning.

Published abstract. Show less