An e-learning tool for reflective practice and enhancing employability among engineering students

Today e-learning is deemed a modern and efficient method of teaching and learning which has completely transformed and revolutionized the ways students and educators engage with Higher Education (HE). Many universities are now integrating or adopting different forms of e-learning components in their curricula to enhance teaching and learning and facilitate the students’ skills development process. Achieving high employability rates has been one of the major priorities for many universities as evident in the increasing use of career advice centers, counseling and supervisory guidance. Could e-learning tools be used to engage students with a skills assessment and reflective process, enhancing their career development and employability prospects? Reflective practice has been found to be vital in understanding one’s career aspirations, analyzing skills gaps and engaging with a module or programme. Not many researchers have explored how e-learning tools with reflective components can influence employability among students. This study addresses this gap by using the case study of the MSc Audio and Music Technology programme in the Department of Electronic Engineering at York (UK). This module utilizes an e-learning component in the form of a log and for the academic year 2016-2017, a total of 14 students engaged with this module monitored throughout by students’ individual supervisors and programme/module leaders. Using content analysis, the data from this sample were reviewed and this study explores the level of engagement of students with the e-learning tools. It discusses the viability of blending e-learning with taught modules in HE programmes. The findings examine the effectiveness of the e-learning log as a tool for employability enhancement and self-development and career reflection. The findings will help Higher Education Institutes (HEIs) and educators in refining and designing strategies for curricula and programmes with e-learning components fit for modern education.