About the Report

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As part of an ongoing research initiative, the Employment and Training Administration (ETA) in the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) has been actively exploring the use of technology-based learning (TBL) in the public workforce system and has sponsored several discrete but related studies. The report focuses on two areas of this research: 1) emerging state policies on TBL and 2) use of TBL at the local level in American Job Centers (AJCs).

Key Takeaways

• TBL use was widespread but highly variable at the state and AJC levels. Some state workforce agencies were in the early stages of piloting and implementing TBL; most had adopted a diverse set of TBL software and support resources to help adults find, apply for, and keep jobs. AJCs too adopted (in some cases from the state) a diverse set of software programs and tools to support the job search process, increase basic literacy and computer skills, and develop or improve their employability.
• Access to technology is improving but still a challenge. Access to career services and training though the Internet remains difficult in a number of states and AJCs. Many individuals reside in rural areas where broadband coverage is sparse, have limited financial resources to afford at-home internet access, or lack reliable transportation options to attend in-person training or utilize technology resources or computer labs at AJCs.
• Lack of technological literacy and costs are the most common barriers to the adoption and use of TBL in AJCs. The most common barriers identified by AJCs were low levels of technological literacy among customers, and the costs associated with acquiring computers and other equipment.
• Contextual factors were critical drivers in TBL adoption across selected states and AJCs. Changes in the local economy (e.g., economic downturns or industry-specific shifts), customers’ access to career services, and customers’ skill gaps were considered the most critical factors in both state workforce agencies and AJCs’ decisions to adopt and expand TBL.
• TBL was considered valuable by states and AJCs for service provision. Despite challenges in using technology-based learning, respondents from the state workforce agencies and AJCs were enthusiastic about its benefits of technology in the public workforce system.

Citation

Cropper, P., Robinson, D., Farrell, M., Webster, R., Germain, J., Cummings, K., Rosenthal, L., Kappil, T., Souvanna, P., Benson, V (2018). Abt Associates. Technology-Based Learning in the Public Workforce System: Emerging Policy and Practices in States and American Job Centers. Chief Evaluation Office, U.S. Department of Labor.

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This study was sponsored by the Employment and Training Administration, Office of Policy Development and Research, Division of Research and Evaluation, and was produced outside of CEO’s standard research development process.