Themes

Influences on participation in learning

Experiences of learning

Technology and learning

» Themes/Technology and learning/IT Courses

Starting IT courses

The research for Getting IT Right looked at the whole process of an IT course from a learner perspective. The first area we explored was how they got started on an IT course.

Finding out about their course- Having readily available literature about IT courses in accessible locations such as workplaces and learning centres, and using informal advertising such as 'word of mouth' would seem to be the best methods to advertise courses.  A quarter of people had found out about their course through work, and the same amount by going to, or contacting, a learning centre such as a college or community centre.  15% found out through 'word of mouth' and 12% through leaflets through the door or a careers centre.  The least used methods appear to be adverts in newspapers, on the buses, through the Internet or on television.

Around a third of people had found out about several IT courses, and most had no problem getting hold of the information.  However, a small minority did struggle to find information about IT courses. Most of these were either retired or looking after the home, which if they were isolated, with fewer networks and fewer opportunities to get to 'key locations' such as careers centres, could explain why they found it difficult.

Why did they choose a particular course?- There were several main reasons why people chose a particular course.  For just over 40% of people the course led to the qualifications they wanted, and a similar proportion indicated that the fact the course was at a convenient location for them was a key factor.  Other reasons why people chose a course was the content of that course, the fact that it was free or good value for money, and the timing of the course being convenient for them.

Assessing Ability- The research found that less than half (40%) of learners had some form of assessment of their skills either before of at the start of their course.  Most of those who were assessed said it happened on the course, rather than prior to it.  Assessment is key to ensuring people are on the right course for them, and a lack of assessment is a potential weakness for IT courses, as it could affect the success of learners if the course is not appropriate for them. 

Welcoming Students- First impressions are important, and a good welcome helps ensure students will stick with a course, and hopefully progress on to further learning.  The vast majority of respondents had felt welcome as they started their courses, saying that they were made to feel welcome, were shown all relevant facilities, and were given all the relevant information about their course.

People were then asked about their experiences on the course.