1. Introduction
This paper carried out the basic studies needed to establish a teaching-learning method integrated information system for vocational education & training programs. This integrated information system will help provide the necessary teaching-learning information to teachers and professors from vocational and educational training organizations. In implementing this research, the following objectives were pursued: First, this paper tried to analyze previous study results and the literature pertaining to integrated information systems. Second, the current state of international and domestic integrated information systems were ascertained through an analysis of related websites. Third, a survey of the demands related to the establishment of an integrated information system was carried out. Fourth, this paper strived to identify the proper structure, contents, management system, and establishment measures needed to introduce an integrated information system in the future. In addition, this paper also suggested measures to help policymakers in their quest to promote an effective integrated information system.
To attain the objectives of this research, this paper analyzed other related literature and websites, the teaching-learning methods developed by vocational organizations, and how these teaching-learning methods are being used. Other methods, such as a survey, interviews, consultations and conferences with specialists, as well as seminars, were also used in this research.
2. Theoretical background to the establishment of the integrated information system
Websites which provide information about teaching-learning methods help teachers improve their ability to collect and analyze information, provide them with opportunities to come into contact with other specialists and teachers, help ferment a relationship among users through such tools as chatting rooms and online boards, and provide supplementary educational materials with which to introduce effective teaching methods. Through these teaching-learning method integrated websites, teachers can have easier access to information related to the subject they teach. Moreover, because of the interaction among users, these integrated information sites can help teachers develop more effective teaching methods.
As websites and portal sites become more complicated, the importance of planning the development and contents of the system is being increasingly emphasized. As the quality of the website contents and their management are of the utmost importance, the following criteria should be in place when establishing a successful website: proper contents, readable texts, rapidly loading web pages, easy navigation of the site, and continuous upgrade of the website.
3. Analysis of domestic and international websites
As part of our efforts to establish an integrated information system, the present state of domestic and international vocational & educational training program related websites was analyzed; with the particular subject addressed by these pages, the composition of the web pages, main contents, as well as the characteristics of the websites, used as the main judging criteria. Our analysis revealed that most integrated information systems provide services related to vocational education and training programs. However, no coordinated sites integrating vocational education and training programs were found. As such, it is necessary to establish an integrated information system which users can share by integrating the programs presented on vocational education and vocational training sites, as well as teaching-learning methods and materials.
Meanwhile, in order to investigate the present state of the teaching-learning materials used by vocational high school teachers and college professors, an analysis of the teaching-learning materials developed by users in the actual field was carried out. These teaching-learning materials were separated according to content, type, and other additional categories. With regards to the contents of the teaching-learning materials, these were broken down into school types, subjects, teaching-learning methods, explanation of materials, and the key words used. On the other hand, material types were separated by file size, types of material, file extension name, and the number of colors used.
4. Analysis of the demands related to the establishment of an integrated information system
In order to investigate the demands related to the establishment of an integrated information system, this paper carried out a survey of specialists and teachers from vocational high schools, junior colleges, polytechnic colleges, vocational training organizations (including vocational schools, government approved training organizations for those currently employed as well as the unemployed), government organizations, and research institutes.
The results of the survey can be summarized as follows:
When asked about the usage of existing teaching-learning method related websites and the associated problems, the participants answered as follows: First, the level of usage of the existing websites is very low. However, government websites were found to be more popular than privately managed websites. Second, where the contents of teaching-learning method related websites are concerned, a majority of participants suggested that a higher level of differentiation should be introduced in order to be able to properly separate one site from another. Concerning the technological aspect of sites, an overwhelming majority of the participants replied that there was a need to prevent delays when loading pages and to assure that users can freely navigate through the information on these sites.
With regards to the composition of the integrated information system, the following was ascertained. First, most participants recognized the need for an integrated information system. In addition, most participants displayed a strong desire to use such websites and to share materials. Second, on the issue of the standards that should be used when composing the menu and classifying searching methods, most respondents answered that a classification system based on the various vocational & educational training methods, or separated by major, would be preferable.
Lastly, concerning the management of such an integrated information system, most respondents answered that first a qualitative-based management system governing the contents of such pages should be carried out to assure that a variety of materials from a wide range of fields are provided. In addition, the proper management of the loading speeds of materials and the CTR (click through rate) were also identified as being important. Second, with regards to some of the management measures that should be established in order to implement an effective integrated information system, a majority of the participants answered that a qualitative management committee consisting of scholars from KRIVET and outside specialists should be organized.