Abstract:

Introduction:
We have seen education systems disrupted since the onset of Covid-19, with the majority of teaching and learning shifted to online learning. Different types of courses have had varying experiences of this shift. Vocational education and training (VET), in particular, had a more challenging time, shifting more practical, hands-on courses to online platforms (Avis et al., 2020). This study sets out to explore how VET in Further Education (FE) colleges on small islands within the British Isles adapted their courses online during the pandemic. A main research question posed in the study asks colleges what has been the benefits and drawbacks of online learning? This research aims to understand the experiences of both teachers and learners during Covid-19.

Methodology:
The study adopted a qualitative case study methodology with four colleges in the British Isles. Between two and three courses were selected at levels one to three across sectors including Fashion, Public Services, Hairdressing, Hospitality and Performing Arts, where the courses have a more practical aspect. The research administered semi-structured online interviews with a total of 11 lecturers, four groups of students and three members of the senior leadership team at each college. The interviews were analysed through the use of thematic analysis to draw out lessons learned across the colleges within the study.

Findings:
The findings of the study discovered that staff and students were not initially prepared for lockdown and the impact college closures would have on teaching and learning. However, lockdowns on British Islands were shorts with clearer regulations therefore FE colleges could respond differently than on the mainland. Yet, the shift to online learning called for more preparation from staff, including learning how to use online learning platforms. As a result, a common theme across the colleges in the study suggested that staff workload increased during the pandemic, it entailed greater preparation and taking time to understand more about individual students’ home contexts that may play an impact on their learning. However, adapting courses online also allowed both staff and students to be prepared for future learning and work environments. Participants discussed flexible working and developing new digital skills as key benefits of the online learning approach. These findings from small British island colleges will help inform the impact of online learning on the future of VET including evaluating colleges’ digital strategy as a result of a pandemic and exploring different approaches to blended learning adopted by colleges.

Keywords:

Vocational Education and Training, Further Education, online learning.