Suitability of Adaptive Self-Regulated e-Learning to Vocational Training: A Pilot Study in Heat Pump System Installation

Many studies have been conducted, mainly in a university environment, and researchers have identified both advantages and disadvantages of e-learning. Very little is known about the applicability and suitability of e-learning to vocational and skills-based training. The research presented in this paper evaluates an adaptive e-learning model (INNOVRET) which combines skills-based learning by means of the Competence based Knowledge Space Theory (CbKST) with the principles of self-regulated learning (SRL) for a practically-oriented vocational training area, namely highly skilled heat pump system installation, in Ireland. The research methodology employed to carry out this study consists of a participative study to develop the INNOVRET approach for e-learning for heat pump systems installation and an empirical study carried out to evaluate the INNOVRET system. The results show that it is the IT skills of the installers that determine the way they perceive the system and the whole learning experience, as well as the level of knowledge acquired.