Challenges of the Coronavirus Pandemic as an Opportunity for Sustainable Digital Learning in Vocational Education and Training (VET)

Silke Seyffer, Melanie Hochmuth and Andreas Frey
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Silke Seyffer: Department of Educational Science, University of Applied Labour Studies (HdBA), Seckenheimer Landstraße 16, 68163 Mannheim, Germany
Melanie Hochmuth: Department of Educational Science, University of Applied Labour Studies (HdBA), Seckenheimer Landstraße 16, 68163 Mannheim, Germany
Andreas Frey: Department of Educational Science, University of Applied Labour Studies (HdBA), Seckenheimer Landstraße 16, 68163 Mannheim, Germany

Sustainability, 2022, vol. 14, issue 13, 1-18

Abstract: In addition to restrictions in training companies, vocational schools were also closed due to the coronavirus pandemic in Germany. After the unexpected first lockdown, it was the challenge of all those involved to draw lessons from the emergent weaknesses in the system and to prepare for further school closures. These preparations primarily involved shifting to digital learning platforms. This article uses a simple and easy to understand research design and focuses from a practical point of view on the results of a quantitative online survey conducted by the University of Applied Labour Studies Mannheim among 143 apprentices in southern Germany on the differences between the first and second school closures with regard to live communication with teachers, attention to apprentice concerns by the vocational school, access to digital devices, and the use of these devices. The results of the survey show that, according to the apprentices’ assessments, the vocational schools were able to improve live communication as well as better attend to the apprentices’ concerns between lockdowns. In addition, the apprentices were able to improve their own digital devices and competencies and, to a large extent, make up for deficits. They were better able to use digital devices and software during the second school closure compared to the first. Gender differences were observed. However, despite significant improvements, there is still a need to modernize and innovate, which should be considered in future digital developments at schools.

Keywords: apprenticeship; digitization; distance learning; school development (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2022
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