COL is working in partnership with the Commonwealth Association of Polytechnics in Africa (CAPA) to help technical and vocational education and training (TVET) institutions in Africa adopt sustainable flexible learning approaches to improve access, quality and equity in TVET. These approaches include using technology in the delivery of TVET for both face-to-face and distance learning, and offering flexibility in time, place and pace of study. The ultimate goal is to extend the reach of skills development.
Addressing Inequities in Skills Training
Informal sector employment combats poverty in developing countries, especially for women. Although the majority of work is in the informal economy in Africa, TVET institutions tend to focus on full time, pre-service training. Younger people with insufficient basic education, out-of-work adults, rural people and women with children tend to be squeezed out of TVET education. Urban dwellers access TVET more than rural people; boys more than girls; the able-bodied more than those with special needs.
Resolving these inequities is a central philosophy of COL's Flexible Skills Development programme. Initiatives in Africa include developing "flexible skills champions", supporting an online community of practice and building capacity through online courses and training workshops at TVET institutions.
Developing Champions
COL works with 11 African TVET institutions who are "Key Institutions" for Flexible Skills Development. The aim is to create a network of institutions who are implementing flexible and blended learning approaches in TVET.
COL is building capacity in these institutions and assisting with ICT infrastructure management. In return, the Key Institutions are including flexible programme delivery in their strategic objectives and putting human and financial resources into expanding access and improving quality in teaching and learning. The Key Institutions currently have under development more than 30 courses or course components that incorporate flexible learning approaches or new uses of technology.
Community Learning Network
COL has established a Community Learning Network that provides information and resources to support TVET institutions to develop flexible and blended approaches to programme design and delivery. This online forum, which has grown to more than 300 members in less than a year, is becoming an important source of information and support for people involved in flexible approaches to TVET in Africa. To join the Community Learning Network, contact COL at flexibleskills@col.org.
Building Capacity through Online Learning
Four groups of TVET institution managers and policy makers have taken COL's online course in the management of flexible skills development. Two cohorts of teachers from TVET institutions have completed the 10-week Flexible Teaching and Learning online course that introduces eLearning and other flexible teaching methods. In addition to developing skills and knowledge in ODL, these courses are providing teachers and managers with valuable insight into the experience of being an online learner and they are benefiting from discussions with colleagues in institutions in other countries
An important part of introducing more flexible learning approaches in TVET is providing quality ODL courses. This requires a thorough understanding of the needs of distance learners and how to engage and support them. To help build capacity in this important area, COL has hosted instructional design workshops at six TVET institutions in Kenya, Ghana, Zambia and Nigeria.
www.col.org/SkillsDevelopment
January 2012