Apprentice Education - A time for Change? Tailoring Blended Learning to Facilitate Delivery of Theoretical Content to Apprentices.

Cooke, David (2010) Apprentice Education - A time for Change? Tailoring Blended Learning to Facilitate Delivery of Theoretical Content to Apprentices. Masters thesis, Dublin, National College of Ireland.

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Abstract

The theoretical component of apprentice training is currently delivered to apprentices using teaching methodologies and learning theories that have remained largely unchanged over the last century. The mode chosen by FAS to deliver this theory training is face to face only instruction. This provides little opportunity for "Net Generation" apprentices to utilise online instructional technologies such as those often used by their counterparts in other sectors of education. Recent research finds blended learning is the optimum way for learners to build knowledge and learn. This implies the instructional mode used by FAS is no longer best practice, therefore may require change. This paper examines the merit of employing a blended learning solution when delivering theoretical content to apprentices. To do this, information was gathered from twenty five phase 6 apprentice bricklayers attending the Institute of Technology Blanchardstown and from twenty two lecturers responsible for delivering construction related apprenticeships in several IOTs. The strategy for collecting information consisted of mixed method research deployed in a sequential fashion. Qualitative and quantitative data gathering techniques included questionnaires, observation, focus group interview and an experimental/control group study. Data gathered was evaluated using Kirkpatrick's four levels of evaluation.

Item Type:	Thesis (Masters)
Subjects:	L Education > LC Special aspects / Types of education > Vocational Education > Apprenticeships L Education > LC Special aspects / Types of education > Blended Learning
Divisions:	School of Computing > Master of Science in Learning Technologies
Depositing User:	SINEAD CORCORAN
Date Deposited:	18 Feb 2011 14:37
Last Modified:	26 Apr 2012 14:59
URI:	https://norma.ncirl.ie/id/eprint/478

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