Instructure Holdings, the prominent provider of educational technology, including the widely used Canvas Learning Management System (LMS), has recently enlisted Hanover Research to conduct a study focused on the changing priorities of vocational education institutions in the Philippines regarding the enhancement of student employability. The survey, titled "The State of Vocational Education in the Philippines," was conducted in September 2023 and involved 115 institutions. The findings reveal a noteworthy shift towards the integration of educational technology solutions, such as an LMS, aimed at expanding career opportunities for students after graduation. As per the report, 89% of vocational education institutions place significant emphasis on the employment rates of recent graduates, and 81% prioritize the practical application of knowledge and skills among their students.
In evaluating their programs, all participating institutions (100%) express confidence in their effectiveness in preparing students for the workplace. Nevertheless, over half of these institutions (53%) acknowledge challenges in achieving satisfactory employment rates for recent graduates. Faced with the growing competitiveness of the job market, vocational education institutions are actively leveraging technology as a pivotal tool to positively impact instructors, administrators, and students. A substantial 97% of these institutions affirm that their adoption of technology has been instrumental in significantly improving student success.
LMSs emerged as the predominant technology among the adopted tools, being utilized by 77% of institutions. Additionally, digital assessment solutions (62%) and video and audio conferencing (59%) were widely embraced. Underscoring the significance of technology in education, 88% of institutions highlight that their students place considerable importance on the integration of technological tools such as LMS, recognizing their role in enhancing the learning experience. Harrison Kelly, the Managing Director at Instructure Asia Pacific, commented on this trend, stating, "The widespread adoption of LMS and other digital learning tools speaks to a deeper understanding that integrating technology is crucial for preparing vocational students for the complexities of the modern workforce".
