Trades and Distance Education
Date
2024-09-10
Authors
Klassen, Allen
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Abstract
The pandemic underscored the critical need for skilled tradespeople in Saskatchewan, with a significant portion nearing retirement. This urgent need for skilled workers is a call to action for all educators, policymakers, and researchers in technical and vocational education. High school technical and vocational courses are essential for sparking interest and providing foundational skills in trades such as automotive repair, welding, and construction. The introduction of virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) in education can bridge the gap caused by the pandemic, offering immersive, practical training experiences. Studies show that VR training is effective, cost-efficient, and reduces training time, while AR provides real-time support, albeit at a higher cost. Future research should focus on implementing VR and AR in high school technical education to address the growing demand for skilled workers.
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Keywords
distance education, tech ed, virtual reality, augmented reality, online training, vocational education, tech/voc