E-learning example: West Cheshire College Electronic NVQs

A recognised issue attached to NVQs is the burden of paperwork involved on the candidate. A project funded by the Cheshire and Warrington Learning and Skills Council, trialled a fresh approach to delivering NVQs to businesses looking for training. A pilot to test the success of 'paper free' learning in Cheshire has successfully completed with WCC as a partner.

WCC developed a series of innovative teaching ideas through consultation with Steve Astington, ICT and e-Learning Advisor at the LLSC. Using electronic communication devices, email, audio and video, the college was able to devise a paper-free NVQ Level 2 (using electronic portfolio) training and evaluation programme in ICT.

The learner group age range of the candidates using e-portfolio is diverse ranging from 16 to 50. Subjects piloted included:

ITQ Levels 1-3
CITB/C&G Wood Occupations Bench and Site Level 2
HAB Food Preparation and Cooking Levels 1 and 2
Early Years Care Level 2
NVQ Management Levels 3 and 4
A1 Assessor Award

West Cheshire College has used ICT to make NVQs easier to deliver, record and achieve. This electronic solution has reduced bureaucracy, saved practitioners time, increased retention and achievement rates and demonstrated that it can be used throughout the institution.

Organisation: West Cheshire College
Type of Organisation: College of Further Education
Curriculum example: Area 01: Health - public services and care
Area 06: Information and communications technology
Area 14: Preparation for life and work
Leadership and Management
Year: 2003
Funding Source: LSC/LLSC
Level/award achievement: Level 4

Description

The learner group age range of the candidates using e-portfolio is diverse ranging from 16 to 50. Subjects piloted included:

ITQ Levels 1-3
CITB/C&G Wood Occupations Bench and Site Level 2
HAB Food Preparation and Cooking Levels 1 and 2
Early Years Care Level 2
NVQ Management Levels 3 and 4
A1 Assessor Award

Purpose

The main objective of the e-portfolio solution was to replace the paper-based solution and to achieve a more efficient and effective method of delivering the NVQ.

The paper-based solution that supports the conventional NVQ process, involves individual chunks of activity between assessor and candidate and then not much contact in between.

With an electronic portfolio there is ongoing contact as and when required (24/7 activity is possible).

The eNVQ used enables access to be set up to the vendor’s site for learners, with user names and passwords and admin access to manage the colleges’ particular use of the generic system.

Learning outcomes

Achieve the learning outcomes of the Vocational qualifications
Improve retention and achievement
Provide a fresh new approach to delivery of NVQs to businesses looking for training
Provide a flexible and paper free resource

Benefits

Benefits for learners

E-learning enables learners to improve the presentation of their work. This can be particularly valuable for learners who have communication difficulties or disabilities.
Effective e-learning can improve achievement and retention rates. Almost all providers are convinced that e-learning is of benefit to learners and enables more effective learning.
E-learning is at its best where it enables learners of different abilities to make appropriate or accelerated progress.
Learners who take part in e-learning improve their technical ability to use IT equipment and improve their generic skills, such as using the Internet and sending e-mails.
Many younger learners associate e-learning with games and entertainment. This perception often enables skilful teachers to engage disaffected and less confident learners.
The retention rate of learners is improved and results are better (more than double)
Learners are using e-portfolio and the college is making the e-portfolio available to learners for a period of 5 years, so that it can be used as evidence for career development and employment

Benefits for staff

Modern Apprenticeship coordinators are keen to engage and use this to track progress
Staff have generally increased their e-confidence via using e-portfolio and are developing resources in some cases it appears that his has been a catalyst for more general use of ICT within learning and teaching
Raised staff awareness to potential of ICT/ILT
Remote assessment and verification

Benefits for the institution

Strengthening links with employers and assisting in the vocational focus of the college
More business is being done in terms of learners engaged and in the system and employers buying in to this provision
other curriculum areas of the college are moving into use of e-portfolio as a means of speeding up NVQs and tracking progress
Increased retention and achievement
Provide a broad range of opportunities for assessment and achievement
Learners are offered innovative, challenging and enjoyable learning experiences based on active task based vocational learning and assessment
Responding to and communicating with employers, ensuring engagement with them supports their business goals

Comments and further information

The future use of e-portfolios in the College now includes the following developments:

The college is now in the process of rolling out the e-NVQ as the de-facto solution for NVQs
Savings have been identified with the use of e- portfolios and they are the driver for further use
It is envisaged that electronic NVQs will be come the norm within the college
Regionally advice is being given to other colleges
Nationally, it is becoming recognised that West Cheshire has an experience that is worth sharing
This solution applies to NVQs but the underlying principle has much to say that informs the use of NVQs generally

Who is it for?

Electronic National Vocational Qualifications for employees working in vocational areas.

Can this approach be used in other curriculum areas?

The systems piloted can be used for all NVQ areas.

Weblink and further information

Further information

Source: Quality Improvement Agency

You can find this page and download any referenced resources from the Excellence Gateway at http://www.excellencegateway.org.uk/askbutler.examples.id302.

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