Abstract:
The convergence of information, communications and biological technologies has become a key global issue for countries across the world. Manifestations of this convergence are evident in the growth in the use of the Internet, e-commerce, on-line services, interactive broadcasting, and interactive multimedia entertainment and education. For vocational and workplace educators in Australia and New Zealand, these trends have major implications for what needs to be learned in vocational education and training, as well as how it is learned. The trends are impacting significantly on the roles of vocational educators and workplace trainers. The paper discusses the nature of the trends, their impact on VET curriculum and instruction methods and the likely impact on the functions and required skills and knowledge of VET educators and trainers. It identifies relevant existing research on the topic and also the scope for future research. The author draws upon his experience in reviewing the impact on VET curriculum of the growth in e-commerce, on-line services, interactive multimedia and the general convergence of technologies; as well as the results of his postgraduate research work on the way workplace communities deal with new situations and change.