In this paper, we address the debate on local skills ecosystems and informal learning. We use the social ecosystem model as a tool to help us analyse the role played by various actors in learning and skills ecosystems and highlight the role of informal learning in vocational education and training. We draw on the case of craft pottery to discuss…

Advances in augmented and virtual reality (AVR) technology have allowed for the development of AVR interactive learning environments (AVR-ILEs) with increasing fidelity. When paired with a suitably capable computer tutor agent, such environments can permit adaptive and self-directed learning of procedural skills in some cases. We undertook a…

Apprenticeship is engrained in America's history -- three of the Founding Fathers started their careers as apprentices. Apprenticeship is a model employers can trust, helping to ensure talent is prepared for in-demand opportunities while also providing a quality postsecondary path for young Americans who are questioning the traditional four-year…

This qualitative study investigated current assistant and head principals' perspectives on their prior participation in a school district leadership academy in the state of Louisiana. It was hoped that the findings would drive improvement efforts and future changes as the leadership academy adapts to the needs of future administrators. A guided…

Each year, thousands of novice teachers are hired, and within a few years, many of these teachers decide to leave the profession. Job-embedded practitioners, teachers who have yet to fulfill their academic requirements at their universities to become fully licensed teachers and are taking an alternative route to obtain their teaching licenses,…

Purpose: Apprenticeships in England, while defined by level and typical duration, are not quantified regarding the number of learning hours required to achieve the outcomes specified, as with other regulated qualifications and accredited programmes. This paper proposes an approach to ascribe credit to apprenticeships recognising both…

The incorporation of immersive technologies into student pilot training has been hindered by a lack of empirical evidence to support their efficacy. Existing research on virtual reality flight simulators is limited in scope, predominantly focused on single-users in small, piston-engine aircraft, with little concern for its application to…

Professionalism for language teacher trainers and teacher educators would require purposeful preparation, induction, and support to develop the knowledge base necessary to foster teachers' development. This study seeks to learn more about the current state of TESOL teacher trainers' professional development in the United States, including their…

Skills training offers a promising route to higher-paying jobs and career growth, especially in industries with a demand for skilled workers, such as healthcare, information technology, and advanced manufacturing. However, individuals with low incomes may find it difficult to access skills training programs due to financial barriers, the limited…

Competency-based training (CBT) is gaining popularity as an approach towards creating a highly skilled workforce while reducing the skill gaps faced by industry. Integrated within an organisation's management systems, it can lead to benefits such as increased productivity and strengthened employee engagement. While CBT of aviation industry…

Advances in immersive virtual reality (I-VR) technology have allowed for the development of I-VR learning environments (I-VRLEs) with increasing fidelity. When coupled with a sufficiently advanced computer tutor agent, such environments can facilitate asynchronous and self-regulated approaches to learning procedural skills in industrial settings.…

This dissertation is aimed at assisting higher education leaders, IT professionals, and administrators in understanding data security risks that institutions face and how employee understanding and behavior can increase or reduce data security risk. The study aims to measure the relationship between financial aid administrator data security…

Teaching assistants (TAs) play a large role in the delivery of special education services for students with disabilities in the United States (Brock & Carter, 2015; Stockall, 2014) and "there is undoubtedly a place for well-conceived paraprofessional supports in special education" (Suter & Giangreco, 2009). The sheer number of…

The University of Iowa (UI) is the state of Iowa's flagship institution; a public research one, division one university in the Big Ten Conference (B1G) with twelve colleges. One hidden gem in the accomplishments of the Office of the Registrar is UI's FERPA Team (UI-FT); a point of pride unknown to many but greatly appreciated by those who know the…

Since 2020, the ETF has conducted multiple studies ('Future of Skills' studies) to examine how various drivers of change -- both technological and non-technological -- are affecting occupations and related skill needs in selected sectors and countries, and how education and training systems are adapting to these evolving needs. This has led to…