Enhancing cooperative education placement through the use of learning management system functionalities: A case study of the Bachelor of Applied Management program

Abstract

This exploratory case study researched the benefits of integrating information and communication technologies (ICT) to enhance cooperative education placement (CEP) for the course coordinator and the learners in their third and final year of study in the Bachelor of Applied Management program. The findings supported an addendum to the Kolb's current model of learning to incorporate reflection into an adapted three stage model. This was due to participants in the study lacking adequate reflective practice during their placement. The study reported that participants need to be engaged in reflective practice to achieve deeper learning, enabled through more interactive discussion online coupled with regular contact by supervisors and the coordinator to strengthen the CEP experience. Suggestions are made for exploring other forms of ICT within a blended learning conceptualization to engage learners through ICT functionalities as well as face-to-face contact.