In the year since the UK government ordered students and teachers to ‘Stay at Home’, virtual learning has changed the way apprenticeship training is delivered.
In the year since the initial ‘Stay at Home’ order was announced, teachers and students have developed skills to remain connected and productive from anywhere as well as embracing a multitude of new technology such as video conferencing, online collaboration tools, efficiency monitoring software and more.
However, while virtual learning has proven for the most part to be a technological success, for many students it has been isolating, and for a number of vocations, remote teaching has proved difficult.
Recent government announcements have outlined a plan for a phased return to schools and colleges beginning March 8th, but what has this last year of remote working taught us?
What are the benefits of virtual learning?
Virtual learning, while isolating for some, could open doors for many who are already isolated or restricted in their mobility, such as those with disabilities or accessibility issues.
Learning remotely removes the necessity for travel, which is a benefit for those with accessibility issues, and saves money for all as well as reducing environmental impact. Working remotely and learning how to use new software to meet virtual learning requirements is also a soft skill which is valuable to many employers.
Most apprenticeship programs have adapted their training over the last year to be delivered online, and this was a big topic of discussion during the recent national apprenticeship week. It is even possible to take exams online while observed virtually by a remote invigilation service.
One benefit of virtual learning is that students can access pre-recorded lessons at any time and re-watch as often as they feel is necessary to their studies. Some reported that they paid more attention to a virtual lesson without the distraction of peers in a classroom. Students can also meet with their tutor one-to-one in a virtual classroom, or even while they are onsite at their workplace.
Virtual teaching has also opened up education providers to a large talent pool of tutors and assessors where physical location no longer has a bearing on their suitability for a teaching role.
What are the benefits of in-person lessons?
Some industries have struggled with limited in-person teaching – for example hair-dressing or other beauty therapies require hands-on training and assessment. Additionally, the construction industry would require in-person training for apprenticeships, so the level of suitability for remote learning can depend heavily on the industry.
Separately, some students may not have access to the technology they need to participate in virtual lessons, or they may not have a suitable learning environment at home. Others may just prefer a classroom for the company and camaraderie, or they may even become too distracted at home.
How should we move forward?
A blended approach is best to maximise engagement and productivity. Limiting the necessity for travel by facilitating work from home saves time, money, and is better for the environment. It also opens the door to isolated students and increases the talent pool for tutors and assessors.
In addition, blending the two removes the tedium of monotony of an unchanging daily routine and gives tutors and students more freedom to take ownership of their teaching and learning.
